Jacob Street
EBBA have completed the refurbishment to a warehouse in Bermondsey, turning a commercial unit into a bright and generous apartment.The studio was appointed to reimagine the arrangement of the tall loft space, maximising the use of natural light to make a calm and inviting interior.
The plan is configured to allow for a large open plan kitchen and living area where the clients can also work from, with the new bathrooms and bedrooms being enclosed behind a dark timber clad volume providing more intimate spaces to retire to. A step up and change in level adds to the transition between the two zones of the home.The layout follows the grid of the existing structure making well-proportioned rooms across the apartment.
Materials & Feel
The rich lining to the timber enclosure emphasises the way the volume is inserted into the space, helping to separate the different functioning zones of the apartment.The outer face of the walnut box facing towards the open side reveals a bold kitchen unit with deep cupboards, acting as a key feature in the living space. A large yet minimal island provides ample surface and substantial storage beneath to accommodate the client’s keen interest in cooking.
As well as serving as a space to host, the room provides a place that can be reconfigured to adapt to the needs of the clients. Along one side there is continuous piece of joinery that acts as a library.The surrounding spaces work to offer different zones for relaxation, each responding to the large windows that help to flood the room with light.The gallery-like interior of the main living area has the ability to feel both spacious and intimate which is enhanced by the control of the subtle lighting array throughout.
Environment & Finishes
From an environmental perspective, EBBA was keen to use natural materials for most of the interior finishes.The large gallery-like main living space has wide ash boards lining the floor that have been sustainably sourced.The roof and floors have been fitted with deep natural insulation across its entirety to improve the energy performance and to help reduce consumption. Maintaining a stable interior environment is boosted by the amount of natural light and heat gain from its position in the loft.The retrofit of a traditional warehouse building has achieved a sophisticated and energy efficient refurbishment while keeping a clean and sympathetic feel.
The bedrooms and bathrooms with the use of textured tiles and a poured floor creates a tactile yet comfortable feel while bringing a sense of tranquillity through materials that complement the darker tones of the walnut elsewhere. At every moment the choice of fixtures and finishes try to provide a clean and calming backdrop, responding to the clients wishes for spaces that can allow them to retreat in the comfort of their own home. Summary
The overall result aims to maintain the character of the building by celebrating the existing steel structure, keeping it exposed and working around the frame to highlight the history of the warehouse.This also translates to the materials that pick up on the old industrial buildings in the area.The clear arrangement in plan and the simple placement of the timber box allows a mix of spatial conditions to be created.The project tries to make the most of the tall spaces and at the same time offer the opportunity for flexibility required to accommodate the clients’ active lives.
