London-based Chris Dyson Architects have completed the conversion of a run-down Victorian warehouse conversion in trendy Shoreditch, London into three luxury loft apartments.
The three-storey industrial space has been retained and adapted to include a copper clad rooftop extension made from pre-oxidized copper panels to give a rusted, weathered look, complementing the red brick exterior and the historic character of the area.
As part of the development Chris Dyson Architects altered the Calvin Street elevation, removing the modern additions and reinstating the original Victorian warehouse frontage that provides a dedicated entrance to the ground floor apartment of the development.
The open plan layout of the 220 sqm ground floor, two bedroom apartment, wraps around a spacious external 4m x 4m private courtyard. The living spaces and courtyard are separated by sliding doors which can be opened up into the courtyard, blurring the boundary between the interior and exterior of the property. Mirrors and a planted wall bring greenery, additional light and an enhanced sense of volume into the space. To maintain privacy from the first floor apartment, timber screens have been positioned around the roof terrace of the first floor.
A limited palette of new materials such as clear and translucent glass, powder coated aluminium, polished concrete and oak and have been used throughout to complement the industrial character of the existing building. Pendant light shades made from fibre reinforced concrete or spun aluminium continue this principle of materiality.
A long translucent walk on roof light over the kitchen brings light into a deep, landlocked plan and a corresponding tall window with oak window seat and reveals allows this light to penetrate into the main hallway. Original red brickwork is celebrated and exposed and muted neighbouring materials were chosen to clearly define the original parts of the building.
The polished concrete floor continues throughout the ground floor flat and flows seamlessly into shower room and wet areas with stainless steel slot drains providing discreet drainage. Matte grey tiles were chosen to create cool, calm bathroom spaces with correspondingly simple fittings from Grohe, Roca and Duravit.
Both bedrooms have en-suite facilities and the master bedroom enjoys a walk-in wardrobe. As in the rest of the apartment the original concrete columns, beams and brick walls are exposed and celebrated adding character to the spaces. Stainless steel socket plates and galvanised conduiting were chosen for their rugged, industrial appearance. Doorways are full height and framed in oak with shadow gap trims separating the frames from adjacent plaster or brick finishes.
Partner Gideon Purser said “This was an exciting project that really celebrates the heritage and character of the host building whenever possible. The client was interested in creating generous, bright spaces out of a challenging, deep plan and had a strong interest in details, fittings and sympathetic materials that allowed us to create some great homes that are full of character”.
Images courtesy of Pete Landers
