Flexibility in Architecture

One approach to achieving flexibility is the incorporation of movable partitions instead of traditional walls and doors. For instance, in an apartment in Haverstock Hill, we designed folding partitions that allow for dynamic reconfiguration of spaces. When fully opened, the main living area nearly doubles in size, enhancing natural light and providing expansive views in both directions. But sometimes a more private or intimate organisation is more favourable. A guest might stay over and the study nook becomes a private guest bedroom. Or, a dinner party is happening and the bedroom remains shut, whilst the study becomes a place for a more intimate private conversation. 

Adaptability can be incorporated into the furniture as well. A fold away bed can become part of a wardrobe, or a desk can fold out of the bookshelf and fold back in again when not in use. Or how about a built up floor hiding a kings size bed beneath a hatch?

For example, in this home we recently designed for a single resident, we have made sure that certain critical elements allows for easy modifications in the future. A space has been allocated for a future potential platform lift, should mobility at some point become a problem when living in this three storey house. The platform lift has been situated so that all the other spaces will still be useable. The ground floor has been organised so that parts of it can be used as a separate flat for a live-in carer, should the need arise in the future.

Incorporating the needs of potential future occupants is also important. With a few modest interventions, the house can transform from its one-bedroom layout to a four-bedroom configuration, which would be suitable for a larger family. This, of course, makes it useful to a much greater pool of people, which should significantly increases the building’s long-term relevancy. 

The building also has spacious service voids in risers and in the floor slab, to make sure that it will be easy to upgrade services as technology inevitably advances. We don’t know exactly what future buildings may need, but there is a clear trend were consistently more space needs to be allocated for  ductwork, cabling etc. 

Flexibility means useful

Making sure that the property remains and useable and therefore desirable, reduces the likelihood of demolition and unnecessary reconstruction. This in turn supports environmental sustainability by minimising material waste and resource consumption. This is why we consider flexibility in design so important. By focusing on adaptable layouts and multifunctional spaces, we can create buildings that make efficient use of limited land, reduce carbon footprints, and remain valuable for generations. The ability to modify spaces over time ensures that buildings continue to meet the evolving needs of their occupants. As architects we consider our role to go beyond creating something aesthetically pleasing, and we are therefore committed to designing spaces that are also practical, sustainable, and adaptable for the future.