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Turners Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

Rodić Davidson merges two 19th-century art studios to create home in London's Chelsea

Rodić Davidson Architects has transformed a pair of artists' studios in London into a lofty family home filled with eclectic furniture and striking artworks.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

The property is located in London's Chelsea, where many celebrated artists took up residence in the 19th century, when rents were still relatively affordable compared to other parts of town.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

Rodić Davidson's transformation celebrates many of the qualities that made the buildings suitable for painting.

High, sloping ceilings and large skylights allow natural light to flood the interior, including a large new basement floor. Surfaces are kept light and bright, creating a blank canvas for displaying brightly coloured paintings and objects.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

"Creating generous spaces to display our client's collection of art was important," explained studio co-founder Ben Davidson.

"Everything above ground was removed to create a single space of significant volume and filled with light," he told Dezeen.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

The architects had previously worked with the clients on their former home, located on the same street, which was completed before the couple had children.

The brief for this new project was to create a home big enough for four.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

"The owners are very loving but are protective of their privacy," said Davidson.

"They wanted to retain aspects of their previous home life while also creating a home suitable for a growing family. They also wanted to frame their collection of art."

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

The new basement floor doubles the floor area of the original two properties, creating plenty of space for a master bedroom, two children's bedrooms, a playroom and bathrooms.

This freed up the ground floor to become a single, open-plan space for lounging, cooking, dining and entertaining, which opens out to a rear garden.

A sunken snug is slotted in one corner, with a study located on a mezzanine above.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

The plans centre around a central stairwell and a light well, which both help to ensure plenty of daylight reaches the basement.

"We used the proportions of an interior courtyard of the riad in Marrakech where we had stayed during one of our office trips," revealed Davidson.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

Artworks are dotted across the walls, including on the exposed, whitewashed brickwork that forms the rear of the original facade. Their bright colours are matched by patterned sofas and royal blue dining chairs in the living space.

Interior designer Suzy Hoodless also added plenty of colour downstairs, from the splatter-style wallpaper in the children's rooms to the deep red hue of the master bedroom.

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects

Rodić Davidson Architects has studios in London and Cambridge.

Previous projects by the firm include a black-stained house in Dungeness and a garden shed built to the proportions of a historic workbench.

Photography is by Rory Gardener.


Project credits:

Architecture: Rodić Davidson Architects
Interior design: Suzy Hoodless
Main contractor: Rigby and Rigby

More images and plans

Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Ground floor plan
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
First floor plan
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Second floor plan
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Roof plan
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Section
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects
Former Artists Studio by Rodić Davidson Architects