ARCH STUDY
A crafted refurbishment reveals historic arches and creates an elegant live/work space within a Grade II listed house
Arch Study is a refined apartment and office space for a client living in one of the earliest buildings in the conservation area of Notting Hill, London. Situated in a historic guesthouse within the main home's internal courtyard, the idea for the space was born in May 2021, after a year of pandemic-induced working from home.
Coffey's work stripped back years of clumsy intervention and plasterboarding and rethought an entirely new arrangement that celebrates the space's natural light and historic proportions.
REVEALING HISTORY
Fortuitously, during the refurbishment, an original vaulted ceiling was uncovered and restored, revealing three Victorian arches. The curved brick ceiling adds texture and character to the travertine and oak-filled space and influences the sinuous architecture of the inserted joinery.
THE HEART OF THE APARTMENT
The main living area with kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are on ground level, where the owner can host clients and guests can stay over.
The kitchen is seamlessly integrated into sleek oak joinery, concealing clutter and providing a spacious environment for comfortable living and entertaining. A worktop island, strategically positioned to offer courtyard views, becomes the heart of the apartment, serving as a space for food preparation, enjoying wine, or hosting informal business meetings.
WORKING IN LIGHT
Raised above the ground level, carved out of the solid oak joinery insertion, is a full-width mezzanine.
Here, a generous three-meter-long desk with hidden drawers, recessed sockets, USB ports, and light and security controls. The orientation of this study faces and centres on the courtyard, soaking up natural light and imbuing views of the lush courtyard beyond.
MATERIALS THAT ARE LOW CARBON AND AGE WITH GRACE
A refined palette of light-textured, natural materials, such as subtly whitewashed oak joinery, Crema d'Orcia stone and untreated Aniline leather, were chosen for their strength and timelessness.
LOCATION
London, UK
SIZE
915 sqft
STATUS
Completed in 2022
CLIENT
Private