Milk Depot

This project is one half of a development which saw the conversion and retrofit of an industrial building to form two new homes. Created for an Artist and an Architect, who developed the layouts and continued to collaborate on the project as it progressed. Orientated around the large living area with smaller and more secluded spaces positioned below the first floor, a circuitous route connects rooms. An external courtyard is hollowed out of the pre-cast concrete roof to the rear and a new stair spills out and leads to a light and open studio upstairs. The original structure is exposed and celebrated, with little new construction to the external facades needed except a raised roof providing space for the new first floor. The walls are predominantly insulated with natural materials and the rubber roof embedded with solar panels. A comfortable and calming environment is created through the choice of materials. Walls are finished with cork and lime to create a soft and coherent scheme. This, coupled with oak veneer joinery and panelling, and the use of rich dark tones elsewhere, contrasts the retained industrial elements. The integrated joinery offers a domestic scale and ensures the dwelling is efficient in use – even the smallest nook has an intended function. These interventions are positioned at in-between spaces and form deep thresholds to windows and doors to mediate between areas and create transitions that would otherwise not be possible due to the limited footprint. Alterations to the exterior are pragmatic. An existing steel framed window has been adapted and new openings added only where essential. The front façade remains largely unchanged, and subtlety conceals the rich interiors within, creating privacy and anonymity for an otherwise exposed plot.