Apartment with a Mezzanine

One of these, a dark and poky 1-bed maisonette flat, was transformed into a light filled miniature house, by extending into the loft and undergoing a complete refurbishment. The aim was to create a super-efficient family home, much like tiny Tokyo properties, without compromising on the quality of space and light. For the owners/architects it was also important to test new spatial configurations. The concept came from a visit to Kettle’s Yard, in Cambridge. This gallery is created by joining together several cottages where many smaller rooms creates a large spatial variety over a small footprint. To offset the minimal floor space afforded each room, the spaces are visually linked together, replacing standard partitions, floors and ceilings with open structures, where possible. The openness between spaces creates a property, which feels much larger than it is. The project spans three stories, and adds several new spaces. The new compact home has two bedrooms, a living room, which can be closed off and used as a guest room, and a dining room with double height space, which is partially occupied by the mezzanine study. Two oversized roof-lights allows a new connection with the outside, through new views, ample sunlight, and the sound of rain. With an open space connecting a variety of spaces over three floors, the result is an apartment with a uniquely tall character. The aim was to make something unusual and beautiful out of off-the-shelf, raw or unfinished construction materials. Cement-bonded chipboard panels, which have been sanded and oiled creates deep shadows that contrast with the flood of light from the oversized roof-lights. It is a paired back design, which plays well with the focus on space and light.