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Blackbox
Blackbox
London, United Kingdom
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Blackbox
London, United Kingdom
Firm
Type
YEAR
2013
SIZE
0 sqft - 1000 sqft
BUDGET
$100K - 500K
The idea of the mews served as the starting point for Blackbox in more ways than just its physical location. In contrast to the traditional mews architecture of solid brick enclosures with tiny windows and little daylight, this design is filled with light, but still respects the contextual language of a “solid box.”
The design features of the entrance courtyard and staircase in this instance are key for the purpose of generating light into the heart of the house. As a result of the physical area given over to the courtyard, the ephemeral qualities created are 'borrowed' back so to speak. This essentially refers to the light and views, with the staircase serving as a journey up Blackbox right through to the skylight. This can best be described as the layering of views and the “bouncing” of light within the house.
Simultaneously developed as a house gallery and vice versa, the design is a continuation of Form_art’s work with artists and galleries, namely their current engagement with the Tate. The volume of space carved out by expressing the brickwork enclosure enables the inside to hold a pure white “floating” box, suspended to further express the interior's language of “objects.”
Brick was chosen as the main construction material to emphasize the simplicity and pure form of Blackbox, and slim Belgian bricks were favored to express the horizontality of the façade along the mews. The black gray bricks draw on the local use of London stock brick, its weathered charcoal aesthetic achieving a timeless quality that complements the character of the mews.
Careful consideration was given to the choice of mortar and its application. The recessed mortar appears in shadow across the facade, and a lighter color ensures its subtlety. Use of 7mm horizontal joints and 5mm vertical joints respond to the slim brick proportions and further help the horizontal expression of the building.
The project serves as a testimony to Form_art’s working ethos of generating work to test and develop ideas. This process provides complete artistic freedom as designer and client and hence, there is an uncompromised approach from initial design to completion.
The design features of the entrance courtyard and staircase in this instance are key for the purpose of generating light into the heart of the house. As a result of the physical area given over to the courtyard, the ephemeral qualities created are 'borrowed' back so to speak. This essentially refers to the light and views, with the staircase serving as a journey up Blackbox right through to the skylight. This can best be described as the layering of views and the “bouncing” of light within the house.
Simultaneously developed as a house gallery and vice versa, the design is a continuation of Form_art’s work with artists and galleries, namely their current engagement with the Tate. The volume of space carved out by expressing the brickwork enclosure enables the inside to hold a pure white “floating” box, suspended to further express the interior's language of “objects.”
Brick was chosen as the main construction material to emphasize the simplicity and pure form of Blackbox, and slim Belgian bricks were favored to express the horizontality of the façade along the mews. The black gray bricks draw on the local use of London stock brick, its weathered charcoal aesthetic achieving a timeless quality that complements the character of the mews.
Careful consideration was given to the choice of mortar and its application. The recessed mortar appears in shadow across the facade, and a lighter color ensures its subtlety. Use of 7mm horizontal joints and 5mm vertical joints respond to the slim brick proportions and further help the horizontal expression of the building.
The project serves as a testimony to Form_art’s working ethos of generating work to test and develop ideas. This process provides complete artistic freedom as designer and client and hence, there is an uncompromised approach from initial design to completion.
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