Sloane Building conversion, in Chelsea, London

The Sloane Building was built in 1908 as a school, in an elegant Edwardian style with a wealth of large feature windows set into the brink façade to illuminate the interiors within. The essential character of this distinguished building has been preserved and enhanced, while the generous scale and proportions of its interiors, rich in both living space and natural light, overlook the King’s gardens. The building as a whole was converted into apartments in 2016. The apartment this kitchen features in originally had 3 bedooms, but the client employed Golden Mean Design to convert the space into a large, fabulous one bedroom space. This meant it was stripped right back, revealing amazing architecture and art deco features throughout, many of which, like some original arch details, had been hidden in the conversion.

The kitchen, created in collaboration with Poggenpohl and Golden Mean Design, combines a green marble called Verde St Denis, with Poggenpohl Smoked Ash doors, in a vertical grain, book matched to create this stunning, elevated appearance. The client wanted a modern contemporary kitchen with an art deco twist to be in keeping with the historic building. The brief was to transform the space into a unique kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, incorporating the original features of the space, with its vaulted ceiling and timber beam. The client requested the kitchen to have an island as well as a dining and entertaining space with dramatic features which complements the apartment.

The client requested a rich, dark timber, and originally wanted a blue quartz but once I saw the beautiful fig tree on the back wall of the kitchen patio, I knew it had to be green, wanting to reflect that foliage inside. The clients were sold on the idea. The bi-folding doors in the kitchen creates the extension bringing the outside in, drawing that beautiful nature and harmonious energy inside. The green marble eventually used throughout the space evokes a serene and natural environment, fabricating this forest scape in the heart of the city.

The client had chosen Poggenpohl in other properties around world, and so it was a natural decision for this property too. The working relationship between Golden Mean Designs and Poggenpohl is supremely complementary, each working to understand clients’ needs and desires. Both teams go above and beyond to get the exact look and functionality sought by the customer. The main brief on this project was to give the client an island and a dining area. Due to a smaller footprint, it was decided to combine the island and dining table. The pill shaped island brought softness to the space, complementing the arched original features in the property, contrasted by the cantilevered glass projecting from the island, for a striking dining experience.

The kitchen has a very high, vaulted ceiling which became integral to the design, creating a sense of elevation and expansion. The timber apex beam stretches across the entire kitchen space, which the client loved and wanted to keep as the focal point, so the island was aligned to synchronise with it. The beam was sanded back and re-stained to match the wooden flooring, a laborious job but essential when looking at the overall space. The dark finish of the marble and timber brings warmth to the space, while the bi-fold doors allow light to flood into the kitchen, creating a calming and harmonious environment.

The lighting over the island, from brand, Empty State, is a horizonal tube that offers an ambient glow with the same quartz finish as the island. A perfect match that brings the space together along with the brass handles and tap. The chairs, called Hippo from Nor11, adds comfort and softness, with mint Nubuck leather against the sleek angular glass. The material for the floor was selected to contrast with the timber finish of the kitchen units. With warm, earthy undertones but not matching, it gives more depth and unity to the space. The flooring is from Havwoods, but with the addition of brass feature planks to create the unique look seen across the room. The dynamic flooring pattern in a chevron, picks up on the angles of the dining table. The floor finish and ceiling timber marry together perfectly pulling the space together.

The client wanted an art deco design, but with a twist. The pill shaped island in marble creates this harmonious flow in the space, with the shard of glass projecting from it was definitely the twist! The technical team at Poggenpohl ensured the engineering was sound for the cantilevered glass dining table, ensuring safety and stability for years. The combined approach of enclosed and open shelving in this space is perfect for creating depth and interest. The family have lots of display items collected from around the world wanted to celebrate, and the open shelving allows this, while the cabinets hide every day crockery and cooking items.

There’s a secret door into the pantry area off the tall built-in cabinetry for additional storage which features a washing machine, dryer, sink and large walk-in storage. Making this a hidden area, ensured the kitchen appearance wasn't compromised and didn't lose the luxury feel while still functional with all the essential elements. There is a high-tech automated system throughout the apartment, installed by Ashdown AV. All the lighting, blinds and sound system are set to the clients’ preferences setting the mood with a touch of a button.

Architect

Golden Mean Design