andrew wood associates
RIBA chartered architect and interior designer
Grade 2 Listed Queens Gate Apartment in Kensington, London.
The apartment had not ben touched since the 1970’s, with green shag-pile carpets throughout, even the bathroom had green shag-pile, a sunken bath and flock wallpaper! The flat was devoid of period detail and felt undersized and heavy. Our brief was to modernise the apartment, open it up and make it feel light, and to put the period detail back where appropriate.
Working closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea conservation officer, we reinstated fireplaces, lathe and plaster ceilings and all the period detail that had been removed. This was considered ‘planning gain’ and allowed us through negotiation to make bold changes elsewhere. We removed sections of floor, created a new sweeping bespoke staircase, removed walls and installed glass screens.
Now the apartment has a series of well organised, well proportioned spaces. They flow well into each other, they are filled with light and are finished to a high standard. The materials bring character and interest and the lighting adds drama. Bespoke furniture is used throughout, the apartment was fully re-plumbed and rewired, every space was finished to the highest standards possible.
The apartment is 289m2 and the works were completed in 2006 by main contractor Southern Installations Limited.