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 ”
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