BELSIZE PARK
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When not in use, rooms remain closed off behind solid partitions. We think this is a waste, especially with space being such a luxury in Inner London. This redesign of a penthouse in Belsize park for a professional couple, answers this with a design centred around flexibility. The main three spaces (the master bedroom; the guest bedroom and study; and the open plan kitchen, dining living room), are separated by folding partitions. Four different configurations are possible. The partitions can be flung open for maximum space and light from the dual aspect configuration, or be more strategically closed off for dinner parties or when guests visit. This results in a layout that is always allowing the full area of the apartment to be used and enjoyed.
GARDEN ROOMS
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The way we live has changed a lot since the Victorian housing boom of the 19th century. Cooking has become something social and the kitchen is now arguably the most important room in the house. This house in Crouch End had undergone several changes since it was originally built. However, the kitchen was still in a small space with a low floor to ceiling height on the lower ground floor. The ground floor in comparison, had beautiful tall spaces, which were underused, as the access from the kitchen was so cumbersome. Therefore, the proposed design focused on creating a new layout for the ground floor, a configuration that would work well for daily family life and for occasional entertaining. The spaces are imagined as a series of walled gardens connected with arched openings. The ceiling stands in for the sky. A new connection to the rear garden is created by another arch and a filigree steel stair.