Transforming the industrial loft into Studio 1B came with several unique challenges. One major challenge was creating a mezzanine to accommodate a bedroom while managing the varying ceiling heights throughout the space. This required meticulous planning to ensure the mezzanine was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing sufficient headroom and a sense of privacy without disrupting the open-plan layout. A key design feature was the inclusion of a large library unit. Opposite the library unit, we installed a large mirrored wall, which served a dual purpose. Not only did it expand the perceived space by reflecting light and the surrounding interior, but it also cleverly concealed the entrance to the bedroom behind it. This hidden bedroom design ensured privacy while maintaining the loft’s open and airy feel.

The proposed aesthetic of the pod is based on a “house inside a house” concept, internally the design resembles a more traditional and comfortable cabin and externally it is based on Dazzle camouflage, which was a family of ship camouflage used extensively in World War I, and to a lesser extent in World War II and afterwards. This artistic reference, combined with a dark, high reflective material of the cabin surface creates a visual illusion of camouflage that is very relevant to the history of the Old Royal Naval College. The modern image of the proposal acts as a counterpoint to the historical buildings, with a very different aesthetic but creating interesting reflections of them at the same time.

One of the key features of the design is the use of two lightwells in the basement to let in natural light while maintaining privacy. The ground floor North and South elevations are finished with a dark zinc cladding designed to create a simple, unimposing form that camouflages with a landscaped garden context. The East and West elevations feature a light grey coloured brick that includes two glazed openings framed by anthracite colour aluminium flashings. At the lower ground floor level, the same grey coloured brickwork frames the lightwells and includes some glazed fenestration and openable glazed panels designed to create a brick plinth that supports the lighter zinc box above. The roof itself is a planted roof that seeks to hide the pavilion from above and take the sightline away from the overall massing.

The proposed building is five storeys high. There are buildings of similar height in the area and this seems suitable given the context. Consideration has been given to providing a visual end to the blocks of buildings from 7-3 Bombay Street and the same time stepping down to the smaller scale of buildings at Southwark Park Road. The recessed balconies have been specifically designed to be visual interest and rythmn to the street.

The first step in this project was to ensure a high level of acoustic insulation from and towards the surrounding appartments, which has been achieved by the installation of both acoustic floors and ceilings.

Secondly, a comprehensive mechanical & electrical scheme has been devised to ensure a high quality of accommodation and the future proofing of the flat. This includes a AC system with MVHR, an Imist system, underfloor heating, megaflo boiler, Data cabling and built-in speakers.

Finally the internal finishes and detailing boast a contemporary design taking inspiration from the art deco style, giving the flat a sense of effortless luxury.

In regard to the use of materials at lower level the external walls are proposed to be of matching ‘london stock’ brickwork to re flect the current building fabric as well as respond to the existing boundary fences of the neighbouring gardens. The choice of materials at higher level is an innovative approach of utilising highly re flective glass speci fically designed to re flect the foilage of the trees flanking the property on the west and east sides as well as the surrounding
lively victorian architecture. Ultimately creating an optical illusions, helping to camo uflage the building’s presence at high level.

One of the main challenges of the Riyadh Villas project was the varied terrain, including narrow plots and plots between cliffs. Another challenge was to ensure that each villa was unique and tailored to the client’s requirements, while still adhering to sustainable design principles. The hovering villa presented a unique design opportunity, with the glazed ground floor providing unobstructed views of the surroundings. The ranch villa with multiple pavilions, including equestrian facilities, required careful planning to ensure that each pavilion blended seamlessly with the landscape.

The current proposal seeks to improve the existing accommodations and offer additional facilities to the property while preserving and enhancing its historic character and contextual integration. This is achieved through a coherent and holistic scheme derived from a strong analysis of the natural environment, regulatory context and heritage characteristics of the site. The proposal includes the erection of a pavilion containing an indoor swimming pool, a gym and a spa, to the immediate west of the main house. The scale and appearance of the pool house is of particular importance given its location right beside the main house, and within an area occupied
by a number of mature trees.