Belsize Park Gardens

The refurbishment of this Belsize Park apartment was unlike any typical residential project. Our clients envisioned a home that was monastic, rustic, minimal, and ascetic — a space designed to foster calm, stillness, and peace. They sought an atmospheric and timeless environment, where simplicity and subtlety could take centre stage.

Our approach focused on stripping the apartment back to its essential elements. Walls, floors, and ceilings—to create a refined and serene backdrop. A new opening was introduced in the entrance hallway, re-connecting the previously separate front and rear principal rooms. This intervention not only improved the physical flow of the space but also allowed reflected light to animate the interiors.

The renovation celebrated the building’s history and imperfections. Existing wallpaper was carefully removed to reveal the aged plaster beneath, showcasing the beauty of the old surfaces. To complement this, new lime-polished plaster was applied, harmonising with the original materials while maintaining a clear distinction between the old and the new.
The bespoke kitchen and joinery were crafted from raw, elemental materials, including patinated brass, mild steel, concrete, and timber. These materials, like the plaster walls, were chosen for their ability to age gracefully, transforming naturally over time and deepening the home’s connection to the passage of time.

The result is a space that embodies simplicity and serenity, honouring the imperfect beauty of history while creating a timeless sanctuary for modern living.