Knightsbridge Apartment
Interior remodelling, with the aid of fire protection technology, transforms a linear corridor plan into a fluid, partially open-plan layout
This spacious apartment was first encountered as a dispiriting internal layout, with the entrance at one end, and rooms all accessed from a long, gloomy central corridor. The remodelling aimed to create a more open and airy layout by eroding the dominance of this corridor.
The apartment is on the second floor and internal escape distances are substantial so a complex fire engineering strategy was required to realise the new concept, involving a misting system and fire curtain. The large main bedroom suite is located at the end of the corridor, shortening its length. A curved form enclosing a utility room creates alcoves, with glazed doors onto bathrooms providing natural light, further softening the impact of the linear circulation. A door closes off the bedroom circulation from the open plan space to improve acoustics.
With the corridor removed completely at the entrance area, space now flows from an open kitchen area through glass doors into the reception rooms, creating a more impactful first impression of the apartment with daylight coming through from both sides of the building.
Wardrobes are integrated into thick storage walls, with bedroom doors recessed into them. The material palette is light and airy to further enhance the sense of space, with a sparing use of colour in bathrooms and window dressings.
