design et al are delighted to announce that Gallagher London have been shortlisted for Residential £5 Million Plus (Property by Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2017.
Gallagher London renovated and extended a dated artists’ studio space, creating a spacious and comfortable 3-bedroom home with an abundance of natural light and volume. The design brief was two-fold. First, architecturally, to take a very dated two-storey artists’ studio of two small bedrooms, one bathroom and a somewhat compromised and pokey living space and renovate it, through the addition of a basement and complete redesign at the first-floor level. Gallagher London transformed the studio into a spacious three-bedroom home with a good kitchen/dining space, magnificent double height living room, master bedroom with separate dressing room and good sized master bathroom, two additional guest bedrooms, a family bathroom and an indulgent cinema/party room. Light and volume throughout were the key requirements along with the desire for some “wow factor” in architectural detailing.
The second part of the brief was to take this vast double height space and add warmth and character using beautiful woods, stones, aged brass ironmongery, interesting light fittings and completely bespoke joinery in every room. Colour was a key requirement but to be used in a subtle and harmonious way with extra interest created through the addition of pattern and a layering of linens, velvets and various other finishes. Overall, the creation of an understated, elegant living space that is above all comfortable but has a contemporary, eclectic vibe with every room providing an unexpected element be it through pops of colour /pattern in the interior design scheme or unique architectural detailing.
Special artisan skills were used on the amazing bespoke staircase, which sits at the heart of the house. A completely bespoke curved steel structure with wooden treads and a fabulous aged brass tubular handrail which is visible through Crittal glass walls from every room in the house. Industrial glamour linking all the parts of this eclectic space. The design works so effectively as it creates maximum light throughout the property, unique volume and a contemporary space whilst maintaining the comfort and warmth of a home with patterned textiles and rustic finishes. The welding on the staircase was all carried out on site by specialists, as well as the polished plaster effect on the fireplace. The Crittal walls throughout were produced by a factory East (London) and every piece of joinery is bespoke and made by a firm in Ireland.
Honouring the surrounding architecture was a priority when considering the design, especially externally. The Mews and nearby streets were built in 20th Century as former artist’s studios and all have plain or painted brickwork facades with large windows, flooding each space with an unusual amount of light. The double height Crittal walls are a nod to the exterior architecture and window design throughout the mews.