The project involved the conversion of a former warehouse building in Bayswater to a single dwelling arranged across two floors. In addition one floor of the building was converted to an office for the client, a commercial developer, with the intention of consolidating living and working within a single location.
An early phase of stripping out of the existing interiors revealed an existing structure comprised of a steel frame within an outer shell of masonry. The steel frame extended to roof level where a series of steel trusses defined the roof volume. This arrangement was understood as one structure occupying another and established a principle that would give hierarchy for the introduction of new elements. Furthermore the internal frame set out limits within which the spaces would be organised and an organising structure for these spaces.

Bounded on the flanking elevations by existing buildings with narrow light wells the opportunity for daylighting was limited to a small number of window openings at each end of the building. The challenge of making useable living spaces was further compounded by the location of the main access and escape stair at the eastern extremity of the property, which effectively curtailed access to daylight.

Lower Floor
The lower floor presented the greatest challenge due the lack of daylight and views and it was decided create a purposefully introverted environment and to dedicate this floor principally to bedrooms. These are conceived of as generous ‘suites’ with sleeping, dressing and bathroom areas laid out as open, unfolding arrangements of space with views opened through the spaces to gives a sense of continuity and to gain maximum benefit from the limited daylight and views. Bespoke wardrobe and storage units in cold oxide treated mild-steel, natural felt and rosewood are loosely arranged within the spaces and de ne separation between areas of the bedroom. This strategy enabled transitions between sleeping and washing areas as well as creating a controlled sequence of entrance to afford privacy.

A sense of spatial continuity was accentuated by a single floor treatment in poured industrial resin throughout. Resin was deemed equally appropriate to deal with en-suite areas and sleeping areas due to the introduction of a soft crumb base to give a cushioned surface. The existing separating floor of beam and block construction was exposed establishing a consistent ceiling layer throughout that acts as a raw, textured counterpoint to the smooth and seamless flooring. All outer clay brick flanking walls were exposed providing a strong sense of enclosure and orientation within the dwelling. Inner walls were finished in natural clay plaster articulating material continuity with the brick outer walls. A natural chalk colour and ne texture provides subtle contrast with the red hue and coarse brickwork of the existing walls.

Connecting the west elevation to the eastern extremity of the plan a continuous space is created, lined entirely in richly toned Ebony Macassar timber. Modulated in width and height through the centre of the plan the space acts as a series of social places containing areas for sitting, niches for reading or occasional sleeping. At the heart of this space a generous staircase folds down from both eastern and western living areas through a large opening formed within the upper floorplate. The opening coincides with a courtyard on the upper level to bring daylight and spatial volume to the lower floor. Perforated balustrades surround the opening and form edges to the open treaded steel stair. The balustrades are formed in large sheets of steel plate, which is water-cut to a bespoke pattern developed in collaboration with the client. A cold oxide treatment is applied to blacken the steel plate with the ensemble completed with open treads formed in steel angles with simple plywood inserts and shaped timber handrails. Dark toned wall panels enveloping the spaces enables the creation of a singular experience and atmosphere throughout. Limited views outward from the spaces ensures that the consistency of the spatial enclosure and that the intensity of the experience is maintained.

Upper Floor
In counterpoint to the introverted character of the lower floor the upper floor was opened up in a number of ways to take advantage of the rooftop location.
The floor plate was expanded by the construction of an extruded linear extension to the north, overlooking Bayswater station. A continuous facade of full height steel windows by Crittal was installed along this edge affording the living areas a continuously open panoramic view to the north. Continuity to the various living areas was therefore established with the city an ever present as a backdrop. The spaces on northern side of the apartment are therefore loosely defined as a gallery in classical etymology. Accordingly spaces are populated with a book collection, artworks and a collection of mid-century modern furniture creating an unfolding sequence of focal points. Roof and ceiling levels were raised to allow the new and existing steel structure to be exposed as an inner armature against a uniform backdrop of clay plaster. Peculiarities inherent in the existing steel frame were made visible with new steel elements connected in manner consistent with original jointing and junctions. The approach was to extend the logic of the existing structure to create continuity rather than distinction between the original and new elements. In this way layers of building are apparent but cumulatively they create one coherent building rather than two buildings, one within another. The upper floor is sheathed in European Birch in pale neutral tone to match the clay plaster walls and ceilings creating a homogenous interior with calm atmosphere.

To the east a section of roof structure was removed to create a small external courtyard bounded by the high flank wall of the adjacent property. Further full height screens of Crittal windows separate the courtyard from the kitchen and living area and create a glazed elevation where previously only a blank wall existed.

Lighting
In the largely day-lit upper level supplementary lighting is provided by a concealed luminaires positioned between steel members and at panels of clay plaster allowing the distinction between structural and enclosing elements to be subtly articulated. Sheets of Onyx held within mild steel frames and fixed to steel columns throughout the space further utilize the structural logic of the space as a primary source of ambient lighting. In addition a collection of objet trouves occupy the interior including a glass chandelier sourced from Berlin and a collection of mid-century modern Scandinavian pendants. At the lower level light fittings straightforwardly provide illumination only where required allowing for an intimate and subdued atmosphere. Wall mounted light fittings provide locally focused ambient lighting and indirect light by washing light onto the ceiling surfaces. The luminaires are a combination of objet trouve and bespoke fittings formed of backlit Onyx.

https://baylight.co.uk/portfolio/71-queensway