London-based Piercy & Company has transformed an apartment in North London, weaving together unique architectural elements with meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. In the complex design of Apartment 21, bespoke timber joinery and a mysterious curved corridor redefine both aesthetic and function.
The interior reinvention of this 103-square-metre space is not just about form. With a bold contrast of dark and light, the architectural innovations unfold gradually. A standout feature is a curved wall that cleverly focuses attention on artwork, hiding the bedroom behind a subtle, secret door. This showcase of precision in design underlines the unique design approach.
Creative Use of Materials and Space
An impressive floor-to-ceiling joinery separates the main living area from a newly designed study. This piece combines a wall and a door, united by a striking circular window cutout. Fiona Neil, co-director, shares, “We found joy in subverting expectations and playing with spatial character.”
Situated in a neo-Georgian building originally part of North London Polytechnic, this former gallerist’s home now serves as a showcase for Piercy & Company’s interior design ambitions. The acquisition was driven by Stuart Piercy, marking a new era for the studio’s interior-design arm led by Neil, focusing on creative craftsmanship.
The layout fosters intimate interactions. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a wall of British elm shelving stocked with glasses and tableware, setting a communal tone. The adjacent kitchen features a clever wall cutaway for seamless connection to the living and dining areas, exemplifying the meticulous attention to detail that defines the apartment.
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Collaborative Artistry in Craft and Design
Piercy & Company’s partnership with British furniture maker Benchmark produced custom woodwork, including a substantial 14-seat dining table made from British ash. The living area features a doughnut-shaped mirror by Zieta Studio and mid-century chairs by Alvar Aalto, emphasizing the blend of art and design with a continuous theme of elegance and craftsmanship.
The study, visualized through the circular window cutout, boasts a curated library wall and a mezzanine loft. Transitioning to private spaces like the bathroom, showers lined with dark grey tiles made from compressed basalt chips create a cave-like experience. The cleverly concealed bedroom doubles as a drawing studio.
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An Ever-Evolving Artistic Space
Artworks by Flora Yukhnovich, Jess Allen, John Virtue, Antony Gormley, and Peter Cook currently adorn the apartment, hinting at a dynamic exhibition cycle. This ongoing evolution aims to keep the space vibrant and exploratory, with future plans including light fitting prototypes, all while maintaining a focus on creative design and craftsmanship.
Piercy & Company plans to continue using Apartment 21 as a creative laboratory, integrating new art and furnishings over time. Neil explains, “We aim to continually experiment with materials and objects here.”
Other noteworthy projects by Piercy & Company in London include innovative designs at the former BBC Television Centre and in Mayfair, reflecting their holistic approach to architecture, consistently showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
The photography capturing this transformation is by Jasper Fry.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
How does Piercy & Company define their vision for Apartment 21?
Piercy & Company defines their vision for Apartment 21 with unique architectural elements, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative design. The space features bespoke timber joinery, a mysterious curved corridor, and a bold contrast of dark and light elements.
What is notable about the curved wall in Apartment 21?
The curved wall in Apartment 21 focuses attention on artwork while hiding the bedroom behind a subtle, secret door. This element highlights the precision in design and the unique approach of Piercy & Company.
Who collaborated with Piercy & Company on the apartment’s design?
Piercy & Company collaborated with British furniture maker Benchmark on the apartment’s design. This partnership produced custom woodwork, including a substantial 14-seat dining table made from British ash.