Small is not only beautiful. It is also spacious. If proof is needed one need look no further than the recently refurbished second floor apartment in North London.
It is a stunning example of what can be achieved with 33sqm of space, which provides the client, and his family with the sort of accommodation normally provided in much larger homes.
Clever manipulation of the space and light and a number of ingenious space saving technics enabled Urban Studio to provide the client with the equivalent of an entrance hall; kitchen; bathroom; laundry room; sleeping accommodation for five, a study, living area and dining room.
The design is unashamedly minimalist. Ceilings and walls are painted white throughout. There are no skirtings, frames, architraves or embellishments of any sort. Discreet shadow gaps allow the walls to float between the ceiling and floor. Dinesen Douglas Fir flooring brings the natural beauty of timber to life and a warmth and softness to the scheme.
Space saving devices includes a bed cleverly concealed under the bed in the master bedroom. Remove a panel in the wall separating the master bedroom from the living area and it can be pulled out. A panel concealed as part of the wall in the living area can be pulled down and used for both dining and working on.
In deference to ornamentation a double bass which is wall mounted, provides a perfectly balanced contrast to an apartment, which is devoid of any other decoration.
Photography – Jon Perry