New York City-based Grzywinski+Pons explore the intersection between private and public space within their new mixed-use precinct, Buckle Street Studios. Located in the Aldgate East neighbourhood of London, the new thirteen-story building comprises 103 compact apartments, a mezzanine co-working space, coffee shop, meeting rooms and a concept store.

Built from the ground up, the team’s distinctive style is felt across all elements from the facade, the interiors to even much of the furniture. “Being able to design the exterior and interior simultaneously afforded us a great opportunity to capitalise on architectural advantages we created and curate a truly integrated experience from within and without,” explained Grzywinski+Pons principles, Matthew Grzywinski and Amador Pons.

The architects drew inspiration from the round-headed windows, arched cornices and rounded quoins of the heritage buildings on the neighbouring streets. This larger urban context of the site informs their strategy to form an architectural intermediary between smaller historic buildings and contemporary high rises.

Simultaneously solid and ephemeral the building is clad in a tiered progression of nickel-finished metal panels, warm grey bricks and a glass block top. With housing placed at the top, the activation of the interior spaces by residents yields a naturally kinetic glow from street level.

Passers-by are lured in from the ground level by rhombic display cases clad in porcelain and glass filled with the concept store’s curated merchandise. Equal parts gallery, lounge, coffee shop, retail concept and living room, the space lies at the crossroads of art and commerce. Lingering is encouraged with curved banquettes, sofas and soft stools spread out across the area.

Above, the co-working space is a calm antidote to the playful concept store. The rigorous structural expressionism of the mezzanine is softened with an integrated timber balustrade and fluted panelling, clay plaster finishes, dress curtains and soft furnishings. The floors and skirtings of fixed joinery are clad in brick complementing the building’s facade.

In the apartments, the luminous glazed cladding casts the rooms with warmth and light. Grzywinski+Pons balance their glossy finish with billowing curtains, earthy clay plaster walls, cross sawn timber floors and warm textural finishes like Ultrasuede upholstery and lush bedding. A rich palette of blush tinted clay, sage, timber, jute, creamy stone and velvety neutrals only add to the plush serenity of the studios.

Taking inspiration from cabins of boats the furniture was designed implicitly to organise small spaces into areas for disparate activities. Sofas can be turned into beds, tables are tiered and a myriad of storage space was activated in an aggressive functionality that manages to retain a sense of luxury.

Inviting both residents and visitors to interact within the space, Buckle Street Studios furthers the interrogation between public and private space and builds on London’s successful and vital community spirit.

“An enigmatic yet alluring public space anchoring co-working spaces and aparthotel rooms create an inclusive and inviting context from which the community and visitors can interact with and inspire one another,” Grzywinski+Pons aptly sum it up.

[Images courtesy of Grzywinski+Pons. Photography by Nicholas Worley.]