design et al are delighted to announce that STUDIOAida have been shortlisted for Living Space – UK Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2017.
The project is a beautiful Grade II Listed house in North London set in two acres of garden. The brief given to STUDIOAida was to create an exciting and inspiring space for a young family, that is comfortable and fun but not too precious so the kids can still play inside. The art plays an important part in the client’s life and many pieces were commissioned for the house. Striking contemporary pieces were juxtaposed with existing classical fabric of the house. STUDIOAida’s extensive knowledge and experience in working with historic buildings was crucial for obtaining approvals for the alterations to the house to meet the needs of a young, growing family.STUDIOAida’s involvement started when the clients, who bravely embarked on this massive project of refurbishing a derelict Grade II listed house, decided to seek professional help. The main construction has been completed so the designers were called to do the interior design and advise on art and lighting. The project was divided in several stages to work around the clients who were living in the property while the works were going on. STUDIOAida were very lucky to have a wonderful client who trusted them even with some unorthodox ideas. The designers think it is their duty to push the boundaries and sometimes take the clients little bit out of their comfort zone and the results are often extraordinary spaces that they never thought they could have.The entrance hall lighting is one of this projects most extraordinary features. Nobody comes into the house be it a family member or a guest that is not impressed by it. Black tubular ceiling lights in the entrance hall were commissioned from lighting designers PSLab. Their expertise was invaluable especially now when technology changes at such a speed that it is difficult to keep up. The hall was particularly challenging because the space is double height and was dark and unwelcoming. STUDIOAida wanted something that will be exciting yet elegant and practical. The challenge was to adequately light the minimal monochrome artwork from a considerable height and to provide a striking piece at the entrance that will reflect client’s spirit and artistic personalities.