Black Amber. Family relations, spatial relations

A 160-square-metre shell dwelling has been converted into a comfortable living space for a couple with their son and the family pet – a large dog. Although very practical, it has a sophisticated form and an exceptionally coherent design. The key to success was the mutual understanding between the investors and the designers.

They were ideal clients. Why? Usually, clients outline their expectations in pretty general terms, but then change the concepts put forward by the architects several times later. As a result, the design process becomes protracted. In this case, things were different – the clients expressed their needs very precisely in the initial discussions. They were well prepared for the discussions, carefully analysing their requirements regarding usability issues and gathering stylistic inspirations close to their hearts.

It was also a well-considered decision to entrust the project to our team. The clients knew they were getting a project with a sophisticated aesthetic. One in which all the technical elements and regular fixtures are hidden so that nothing distracts from the interior composition. The investors’ self-awareness and careful and accurate communication enabled the basis for planning to be prepared in the first meetings.
The interiors shown in the photos are the home of a couple with a teenage son. The family also includes a large dog. As the 160 m2 apartment is an elongated rectangle with the entrance almost halfway along its length, the architects team proposed an evident space division. To the right of the main entrance is the living area – a kind of open space that combines a living room, kitchen and dining area with the landlord’s study. On the left side is the night area – which includes the master area (master bedroom with integrated bathroom and dressing room) and the son’s room.

As quickly as the functional floor plan, a sketch of the visual side of the space was created. It was based on a warm dark colour, as the investors had requested. That’s what gave the flat its name: Black Amber. As our team uses only noble, natural materials in our design, we put together the colour palette the clients expected.

At the same time, all the rooms of the flat form a very coherent ensemble. This is due to the shared material base (with only subtle variations), but also to the very conscious attitude of the investors. They did not expect to display specific memorabilia, works of art or their favourite decorative elements, which can create a collection that is close to the heart but visually haphazard. Instead, they wanted a good, holistic and homogeneous set of interiors. That’s why the effect achieved is so harmonious.