BLUMENTHAL WAREHOUSE CONVERSION
PERTH
THE CURRENT SPACE
The site is a vacant office suite located in West Leederville, 3 kilometres northwest of Perth CBD. The building was originally zoned for commercial use but has recently been rezoned for residential. The site is split level with the opportunity for a second story insertion or mezzanine within the existing space.
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CLIENT BRIEF
Heston Blumenthal, world-renowned celebrity chef, will be opening a new and innovative restaurant in Perth. He requires a home base for the 24 months he will be living in Australia.
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The client is single and requires an apartment for himself with the option for family and friends to visit from the UK
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A professional kitchen where Heston can experiment and tests new recipes
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Privacy is crucial
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Zones for relaxation and enjoyment with scope for unique custom furniture
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PROJECT
Blumenthal Warehouse Conversion​
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PROJECT TYPE
Residential
Site conversion and fit out
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LOCATION
141-143 Cambridge Street
West Leederville WA 6007​
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YEAR
2017
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SOFTWARE + SKILLS
Revit 2020
Enscape
Photoshop CC
Spatial planning
3D modelling
Concept development
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DOWNLOAD
CAD Documentation: Custom Furniture Design
CONCEPT
ESCAPISM IN CONTRAST
Heston is always in the spotlight and on the go. Although he wants to be able to work from home, he wants his apartment to be a haven- withdrawal from his external stresses and connect with what matters most to him-
his family, experimenting with new ideas and zoning out. The concept is “Escapism through Contrast”, creating a sense of escape through the contrast of light and material.
Moodboard
Contrast is explored in a variety of ways. The first is with light, using brightness and shadow to create areas to recharge and retreat. When you step through the front door, you are surrounded in darkness. You then make your way down a winding corridor following the light to the living room. This will be a journey and an important barrier between the outside public life.
Here you will find the hub of the home including the lounge room, kitchen, and garden. The more private areas such as the bedrooms, bathrooms and study will branch off and allow you to either have moodier lighting or close out the light completely. The layout will give Heston the option to be exposed and social or to hide away and be alone.
Floor plans
The existing windows across the ceiling and the addition of new windows to the roof and courtyard walls provide natural light in the hub without compromising on privacy and restrict views in and out of the residence. A second level was added with a void kept over the lounge room to keep the space open and bright.
Material Board
Contrast was also explored through the depth of materials. Hard materials of concrete, marble and metal will contrast with warm and soft materials like timber, leather, and soft and sensual velvet.
The idea of being in the spotlight, on a pedestal and in the public eye was explored with the use of levels throughout the apartment. The lounge is for relaxing and retreat at the lowest level, the games area is on the mid-level, and the kitchen (which is particularly important) is elevated. It is a place for Heston to experiment and includes sliding doors allowing him to be immersed in the space without distraction. And when the work is done it can be closed off from the lounge area.
There will be many areas to escape including the soundproof study, swinging egg chair and dim-lit cellar with custom furniture. The layout will allow for social interaction, relaxation or withdrawal depending on the occupant’s mood or needs at the time. The home will also feature minimalistic lines and form with the focus on the visual and tactile senses and how they affect your feeling in the space.
Wine cellar and custom-designed furniture - visualisation
Wine cellar and custom-designed furniture -
Bar stool elevations
Wine cellar and custom-designed furniture -
Bar table elevations
