Project: London Terraced House – LS Apartments
Architect: TR Studio
Location: West Hampstead, London
Area: 200 sqm
Build: Bhuva Construction
Interior design: TR Studio
Kitchen: TR Studio + Howdens
Bespoke joinery: TR Studio
Photo credit: Billy Bolton
Located in the affluent residential neighbourhood of West Hampstead, with its picturesque village and prime postcode lies LS Apartments, a set of modern rental apartments designed by architectural and interior practice TR Studio for contemporary London living.
Working closely with the client, who wanted to create a set of three apartments that felt spacious, design-led and appealing to renters, TR Studio proposed a concept that included an extension and full refurbishment turning the London Terraced House into a two-bedroom ground floor apartment with private garden access and a garden studio; a first floor one-bedroom apartment with dedicated study; and a two-bedroom duplex split over the second and third floor complete with roof terrace.
In the ground floor apartment, TR Studio oversaw the construction of a new side return extension. The extension, which added 12 sq meters of extra space to form an open plan kitchen, diner and living space, utilised London stock brick to compliment and seamlessly blend with the original Victorian terrace. Lead glazed doors connect the space to the small patio and garden and introduce extra natural light.
Adding extra value and appeal to the prime ground floor unit, the practice used part of the private garden to construct a small 20 sq meter single story annex. Timber clad with large floor to ceiling lead glazing and an interior with exposed London stock brick, roof joists and a wood burner stove, the garden studio provides a flexible space functioning as a home office or guest accommodation.
Inside the ground floor apartment, within the main spacious and versatile open plan room, the studio added a punch of colour and a focal point with a bespoke kitchen in deep green. Using only base units to seamlessly integrate appliances and provide storage, open shelving on the walls created a sleek, contemporary look.
Walls are painted in a fresh and neutral clay hue with statement lighting, solid timber flooring and mid-century styled furniture in a curated palette of neutrals and mixed materials. Leading from the main space, a small inner courtyard with skylight pulls through natural light to the middle of the apartments floor plan and connects to a double bedroom. A hallway with soft, curved walls and bespoke built-in storage creates a natural flow through to the front of the building where a bathroom and a master double bedroom are located.
Within the first-floor apartment, complete with roof terrace, a similarly contemporary and rich interior scheme with bespoke design elements was applied. In this more compact kitchen, diner and living space located at the front of the building, the room was divided into two halves. In the kitchen, both base and wall units were used to maximise the space available. To add continuity to the set of three apartments, the same green palette was used along with a grey marble splashback. Cast iron radiators and Buster + Punch lighting add a level of refinement and industrial styling whilst also complimenting the old brick feel of the original building.
Zoning the interior and adding a flexible living space within the room, TR Studio created a unique storage wall employing both alcove shelving and custom-made drawers. Balancing the need for openness, alongside colour and texture, sliding perforated metal screens further the industrial language in a dark, steely grey hue which add visual contrast and character. Leading towards the rear of the property, a bathroom, study and a double bedroom with access to the roof terrace make up the rest of the apartment’s floor plan.
In designing the third residential unit, TR Studio oversaw a loft conversion to create a duplex apartment spread over the second floor and third floor. Here, the studio again utilised London stock brick alongside standing seam zinc work. Housed within second floor are two double bedrooms, one with ensuite and a master bathroom. Connecting the second floor to the converted third floor loft space is an open tread staircase. With access to a small roof terrace from the half landing, the space is flooded with natural light.
Housed within the converted third floor loft is the open plan kitchen, diner and living space, designed to mirror the aesthetics of the light and airy ground floor with custom made base units, open plan shelving and architectural lighting. A dormer window and skylight add further to the spaces impressive use of natural lighting. Utilising the natural incline of the roof, built in cupboards and drawers set within the eaves provide extra storage space.
On show across the three private residential units that form LS Apartments, are signature TR Studio design and architectural devices used to ensure each individual area of the rental units feel connected, well balanced and with an enhanced natural flow.
Balancing a desire to create sophisticated interiors that appeal to a young professional demographic whilst being budget conscious, TR Studio combined bespoke joinery, considered design details and contemporary fixtures and furnishings to create a sense of home and successfully fulfil the requirements of the landlord as well as potential renters.
