Journalist's Flood-Damaged Basement Undergoes Remarkable Transformation, Emitting a Startlingly Bright Ambiance
In the heart of London, architect Charles Wu's award-winning design practice, Polysmiths, has transformed a once-dilapidated flat into a modern masterpiece named Walden. This contemporary home design concept focuses on blending warmth, light, and thoughtful materials, creating a cozy yet luminous space that harmoniously connects with the outdoors.
The property, named after the 19th-century American naturalist Henry David Thoreau's book, was in a poor state when architect Charles Wu first laid eyes on it. With curled floorboards and a damp smell, the flat needed a complete overhaul. A flash flood just a few weeks after German journalist Christoph Halstenberg moved in forced him to vacate the property, leading to a full renovation, including flood-proofing measures.
To address the flat's deep and narrow floor plan, a single-storey extension half-sunk into the garden was installed. The external walls were tanked and treated with damp-resistant slurry before being painted with breathable limewash paint. Underground French drains, storm valves, and a pump were installed to channel excess water towards the sewage system.
To flood-proof the interior, a glass brick screen was installed around the windowless bathroom to borrow natural light from the living room. The garden was planted with longer-rooting vegetation to soak up more water. To further improve indoor air quality, the plants in the garden were chosen for their pleasant scents.
Embracing Scandinavian design principles of quality and simplicity, the flat features De La Espada's Windsor Chair. To make a statement, HAY's striking black-lacquered dining table grounds a lighter colour scheme. Real and honest materials such as wood, steel, and glass were used in the decorative brief for the renovated flat.
To bring more light and privacy into the flat, Charles Wu installed a pitched roof with three angled skylights. The flat's garden was designed to provide drainage for the flat, with the thick London clay soil surrounding the foundations removed and replaced with topsoil.
Timeless design meets a pinch of fun in The House of Bloc's acrylic dining chair. Kartell's Panier Table is an elegant addition to any design scheme, avoiding wasting natural light. The new extension is wrapped with Siberian larch slats for wisteria to grow around, adding a touch of nature to the modern design.
Modern home designs like Walden might involve several key strategies for flood-proofing and incorporating natural elements. These could include using materials and designs that resist water damage, such as waterproof membranes, elevated thresholds, and water-resistant finishes. Incorporating natural elements might include using materials like wood, stone, and plants to create a harmonious connection with the outdoors.
Without specific details from Polysmiths' work on Walden, it's challenging to provide exact methods they used. However, their emphasis on thoughtful materials suggests a focus on both functionality and aesthetics, which could include integrating natural elements and flood-proofing measures effectively.
- The modern masterpiece, Walden, named after Henry David Thoreau's book, showcases a blend of Scandinavian design principles, characterized by quality and simplicity.
- De La Espada's Windsor Chair and HAY's black-lacquered dining table are featured in the flat, embodying the essence of the lighter color scheme.
- In the revamped flat, real and honest materials like wood, steel, and glass are conspicuously used, mirroring the trends in interior design and sustainable living.
- To flood-proof the property, a glass brick screen was installed around the windowless bathroom, borrowing natural light from the living room.
- The garden, planted with longer-rooting vegetation, absorbs more water and improves indoor air quality through its pleasant scents.
- Timeless design and a touch of fun evident in The House of Bloc's acrylic dining chair, and Kartell's Panier Table, ensure suitable lighting and a harmonious balance in the living space.
- To address the flat's deep and narrow floor plan, a single-storey extension was installed, with underground French drains, storm valves, and a pump for flood-proofing measures.
- By embracing contemporary home-and-garden strategies, modern designs like Walden optimize style and function, incorporating natural elements and flood-proofing measures in a symbiotic manner.
