Belsize Park Residence
The project concerns the renovation of a semi-basement apartment in the Belsize Park area of central London. It aims both at the functional and aesthetic optimisation of the house succeeding a contemporary design approach, as well as at the modernization of its infrastructure.
A dynamic design approach is applied with the construction of a zigzagging wall, which runs through the apartment and divides it into two parallel zones, also separating the uses of the house into private and public. This gesture is shaped as a compact but also dynamic element painted black, starting from the entrance and evolving until the center of the apartment, while linear scorings on the wooden surface give a sense of directionality and flow. Multiple hidden doors and cupboards lead to the hidden behind the wall spaces, the master bedroom and the en-suite bathroom of the owners, as well as the auxiliary spaces. The opposite side is shaped as a less defined area, a white zone, bright, with sliding panels and large openings and includes the open plan living room - kitchen, study and guest house.
Due to the small area of the apartment, it was important that the redesign met the special needs of its occupants, offering all the necessary functions, comfort, flexibility and easy flow of movement.
The renovation of the apartment includes total interior remodeling, re-arranging the succession of spaces and functions, in order to create a unified open plan living room - kitchen, an office / study space and a guest room, all flexible in their use. The proportionally oversized entrance hall was designed to include secondary functions added to the apartment, such as a cloak room, reception area, guest WC and laundry. The openings were maximized to take advantage of natural light, especially in the living room where the windows open to a patio with a garden.
