Clerkenwell Apartment
James Gorst Architects has completed the full refurbishment and reconfiguration of a large lateral apartment in the heart of central London’s Clerkenwell area, using a monochrome palette of rich materials and subtle textures.
The practice was approached by clients David Caldana, co-founder of Borough Kitchen stores and cook schools, and his partner Dr. Alex Seijas, principal dentist at ODL Dental Clinics, to discuss the property’s potential. The three bedroom apartment’s existing plan was fragmented into small cellular rooms with a dark central corridor, and was unsuited to the couple’s preference for welcoming, light-filled spaces.
The James Gorst Architects team completely rethought the plan, creating a proposal for a series of spaces connected to a generous central drawing room which would meet the clients’ requirement for a spacious home geared towards comfort, cooking and entertaining.
The original apartment was stripped back to its concrete frame and entirely remodelled to create a series of new living spaces connected to the drawing room and a 70 square metre south facing terrace. Two and half metre high internal doors aid the sense of flow and movement throughout the space. Private bedrooms, bathrooms and a study are screened off by steel-framed doors fitted with reeded glass.
Naturally – given Caldana’s connection to Borough Kitchen, for which James Gorst Architects designed the Chiswick store – a key focus of the home is the kitchen, which takes cues from the culinary brand’s successful schools. The team created a rich yet highly functional space featuring stainless steel Gaggenau appliances, a bespoke island of Moonrock lavender granite with a tactile leather texture, and solid wood cabinetry.
The monochrome interiors feature subtly luxurious materials including marble, ebony stained oak panelling, and brass elements which contrast with matt black metalwork. The practice created a bespoke marble and lacquered steel fireplace, and collaborated with Viaduct to select key furniture and lighting pieces.
