As Robertson says“ the curved geometry allows for flexing of the architecture, it is sinuous and provides a softness and comfort of movement”. Aesthetically Robertson’ s staircase makes a dramatic sculptural statement which both complements and echoes the contemporary art on show.
Working in collaboration with art curator Lucy Meakin the family’ s art collection is innovatively incorporated with the architectural design throughout the entire house and garden. Moreover, the art on display has obviously been lovingly selected with famous contemporary pieces hanging alongside works by lesser known emerging artists and cherished family sketches.
Within the vertiginous lightwells adjoining the massive basement the commissioned graffiti figures resemble giants looking into the building. At the entrance, a contemporary work re-imagining a poster from Orson Wells’ s unmade film The Heart of Darkness proclaims“ The Horror The Horror” which not only references the underground, but also adds a darkly humorous note.
MATERIALS PALETTE In this building where art is definitely the star the materials palette was kept as simple as possible, plenty of glass around the outside allowing light to flow down into the basement was complemented by large light floorboards, concrete screeds and Cor-Ten steel with oxides to reveal rusty colouring with age was used on outside and interior elements.
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The project is a stunning example of an intelligent and harmonious meshing of art and architecture as Robertson states:“ There are many layers within this building both metaphysical and structural. I was fortunate in having an imaginative and visually literate client who was open to my ideas. I feel that the art here is a living art, something which the client will continue to collect and change over time and the success of the project lies in the architecture’ s ability to allow the space for this coexistence and embrace this evolution”
23 + GS / 318 www. 318. studio