syte architects transforms studio in london with floating mezzanine and plywood staircase

the studio at greville road in london dates from the late 19th century and was once the work place of the sculptor willi soukop. its current owner is the artist ben pulsford who has used the studio for the last 20 years. the requirement of the brief presented to syte architects was for the creation of additional work space together with plenty of storage for the artist’s canvases and materials.

all images by james morris

the project entailed the insertion of a floating mezzanine into the seven-metre vaulted studio space. syte architects designed the new floor so that it kept free of the perimeter walls and the tall studio doors. glass floor panels run along two sides of the mezzanine to maintain the sense of openness.

a new staircase was conceived to be an integral part of the large storage unit

meanwhile, a new staircase was conceived to be an integral part of the large storage unit and read as one entity. the spacing of staircase treads established a module which formed the rhythm of the whole storage unit. these developed into a series of vertical fins that could be inhabited in various ways for the storage of paintings and materials. double depth storage is available under the first flight, slimming to a single depth under the upper flight. the entire storage unit is constructed from birch-faced plywood.

the spacing of staircase treads established a module which formed the rhythm of the whole unit

double depth storage is available under the first flight of stairs

the project entailed the insertion of a floating mezzanine level

the new floor is kept free of the perimeter walls and the tall studio doors

glass floor panels run along two sides of the mezzanine to maintain the sense of openness

the building dates back to the late 19th century

artist ben pulsford has used the studio for the last 20 years

the building was once the work place of the sculptor willi soukop

the greville road is located in northwest london

project info:

name: greville road studio
location: london, UK
total cost: £154,800.00
gross internal floor area at start: 41.9 square metres
gross internal floor area upon completion: 64.3 square metres

architect: syte architects
structural engineer: michael barclay partnership lighting consultant: syntax lighting
main contractor: aspect construction
supplier: ERCO lighting
supplier: peak oak
photography: james morris

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: philip stevens | designboom