Architects Artyem Slizunov and Edgar Martirosyan reconstruct and reprogram a two-storey penthouse in a 19th-century building in London. The intervention is characterised by a delicate reconstruction, which seems to touch nothing, reinforcing the structure and highlighting the historic architectural aesthetics that characterise it.

With windows strategically facing north, the studio has spaces flooded with neutral and diffuse light during the day. This is very important to work, creating a thoughtful, reflective atmosphere that enhances the value of the original space.

Artyem Slizunov and Edgar Martirosyan reconstruct and reprogram a two-storey attic in a 19th-century building in London. The intervention is characterised by a delicate reconstruction, which seems to touch nothing, which reinforces the structure and highlights the aesthetics of the building's architecture.

The project organises the workspaces with an open space, a glass office with a large desk and behind it the model workshop. Opposite the entrance, behind a wooden wall, there is a small kitchen. The attic floor houses an archive with a table for work.

The renovation has used solid oak as the main material, which is highly durable (joint work, shelves and desks), deliberately opting for wood with cracks and knots, whose imperfections are in keeping with the spirit of the historic building.

Architectural atelier by Artyem Slizunov and Edgar Martirosyan. Photograph by Ilya Ivanov

Architectural atelier by Artyem Slizunov and Edgar Martirosyan. Photograph by Ilya Ivanov.

Project description by Artyem Slizunov and Edgar Martirosyan

Tasks and problematics
The architectural atelier occupies a two-story attic in a 19th-century building located in London. The architects’ main goal was not only to create a comfortable workspace but also to make a delicate reconstruction, strengthen the structure and emphasize the aesthetics of the historic architecture.

Spatial structure
The work process was divided into two phases. First, the main work spaces were created: an open space and a main cabinet with a large desk and audio system. Then a glass panel was built between them; it connects to the floor and ceiling without additional profiles, through a thin layer of hemp felt. Behind the cabinet is the workshop for model making. Opposite the entrance, behind a wooden wall, is a small kitchen. The attic floor houses an archive with a table for work.

Atelier de arquitectura por Artyem Slizunov y Edgar Martirosyan. Fotografía por Ilya Ivanov.
Architectural atelier by Artyem Slizunov and Edgar Martirosyan. Photograph by Ilya Ivanov.

Materials 
The main material of the project is solid oak. The frames of the glass wall, floors, shelves and custom-made desks are made of it. We deliberately favoured wood with cracks and knots, which is not usually used for furniture, because it made sense for this project: the noble type of wood and its imperfections are in line with the sophisticated spirit of the historic building, and its exceptional durability guarantees a long life.

Ambience
Because the studio's windows face north, the rooms are filled with diffuse neutral light during the day. This is very important for image processing and particularly for colour correction. Lighting, plenty of air, and the textures and colours of natural materials - all create an atmosphere for thoughtful, careful work and enhance the value of the original space.  

More information

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Architects
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Project team
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Artyem Slizunov (head of the architectural workshop).
Edgar Martirosyan (senior architect).

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Dates
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2020.

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Location
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London, United Kingdom.

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Photography
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Artyem Slizunov. London-based architecture practice, founded by Artyem Slizunov in 2014. Currently, the studio has been joined by Edgar Martirosyan (senior architect) and Valentina Akulinskaya (architect).

Artyem Slizunov was a postgraduate student at the Moscow School of Architecture MARCH. He obtained his master's degree in 2014 and completed his master's studies in Architecture and Urbanism at London Metropolitan University (LMU), UK. 

Throughout the entire period of his activity, he paid special attention to the study of materials and their properties as well as to the expansion of traditional areas of their application.

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