a forest breathes life into an abandoned space above the city the perforated trees regulate air, warmth and light in the new rooftop home
The Forest Of Light grows out of the attic floor servant quarters of a Grade II listed 1928 beaux-arts mansion block in Marylebone, London. The apartment is composed of two main oak-panelled rooms that look out onto a 45-meter long terrace.
Fixed objects in each room signify a primary function. The refectory has a kitchen island, a dining table and an octagonal study desk with corresponding skylights to bring in natural daylight and elevate the importance of the domestic rituals. The salon, a place for reclining, has horizontal sliding panels with horizontal grain, opening on to rooms for sleeping.
Inhabitable apertures link the main rooms to the terrace. These alcoves are lined with white powder-coated aluminum panels, perforated with a forest of trees. From behind the perforations computer-controlled vents open and close to cool the apartment, panel heaters create warmth, and lights illuminate the breathing forest at night.
Architects Tonkin Liu Client Private Location London, UK Budget Private Size 260 m² internal, 180 m² external Structural Engineer Price & Myers M & E and Sustainability Archineers Lighting Design Tonkin Liu Completion April 2008 Awards RIBA Award
