Little Venice Residence by Originate Architects
Little Venice Residence completely redesigned in 2017 by Originate Architects, is a beautiful residence situated in London, United Kingdom.
About Little Venice Residence
The Pursuit of Openness: Design Meets Art
The property owner desired a distinct ‘open and clean’ aesthetic. Despite many 19th-century London properties being narrow, he procured two merged properties. He yearned for expansive rooms for his art displays and sought seamless transitions between them. Striking a balance between crafting an ‘art gallery’ and a liveable space became paramount. The client’s vast, primarily monochromatic, modern art collection drove our design inspirations.
Bridging Historical Roots with Modern Sensibilities
Though originally two entities, the house had lost much of its historic detailing. We saw value in honoring the property’s past and persuaded the client to reinstate some of these features. We strategically integrated modern requirements to delineate between old and new. The only stark deviation appears in the garden-facing lower ground level, a minimalist modern addition. Among the client’s museum-grade art, Calder mobiles stand out. Their design complements the room height and decor, letting them truly shine. Meanwhile, the lower ground kitchen boasts an 8.5-meter (approx. 28 feet) long central island, swathed in Statuario white marble, exuding drama.
A Minimalist Palette: Elevating Art
For this endeavor, we limited our material and color choices. We painted all walls in grey-white (Ammonite by Farrow & Ball) and designed specialist joinery (millwork) using Larch. After staining it black, we wire-brushed it, highlighting the grain’s depth. This disciplined approach amplified the prominence of the art and furniture.
Merging Heritage with Contemporary Design
In our London ventures, historic properties often come into play. Instead of imposing modern visions on them, we prioritize respecting their origins. Our commitment leans toward the spatial quality. We strive to elevate ceiling heights, or at least their perception, and maximize light infusion. Historical properties may present spatial challenges, but as evidenced in the Little Venice residence, innovative solutions like new arched openings can foster spatial grandeur. Our designs tend to lean minimalist, with a pronounced focus on space, light, and intentional aesthetics.
Photography courtesy of Originate Architects
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- by Matt Watts
