An open-plan loft-style recipe for living in London’s docklands – but with an Irish touch …
In a loft-style apartment, every element plays a role in shaping the atmosphere. A well-placed divisional screen doesn’t just separate spaces, it enhances privacy, maximises functionality, and adds to the overall aesthetic.
When John and Peter O’Connor of O’Connors of Drumleck were asked to partner on designing and fitting out the Upper Lofts at 8 Harbord Square in Canary Wharf, it wasn’t their first London rodeo. The company, established 37 years ago by their father Peter Senior, delivers high-end design and manufacturing solutions to large, prestigious multiphase and multi-unit developments – in Ireland, the UK and beyond – from their state-of-the-art complex in Co Louth, which combines traditional craftsmanship with the very latest technologies, processes and machinery.
O’Connors’ preferred approach is as a project partner working with customers from the very outset of their project where possible. “Being involved at an early stage allows us to use our experience in design, fit-out and finishes from many luxury residential projects. Where it is not possible to bring us in at the very earliest stages of the project, we work equally well seeing opportunities for improvement to works that have already begun,” says John O’Connor. The apartments at Harbord Square were nearing completion when it became clear that prospective buyers wanted solutions to divide up the single designed space.
“While the idea of a huge single loft space seems ideal, in reality it’s not how people want to live,” says O’Connor. “Our challenge was to provide options to segregate specific areas. We did this using divisional devices in a variety of ways – metal screens, mixed texture screening, freestanding wardrobes and pivot screens.” This creative partitioning maintains an airy, open-plan feel while allowing areas to be closed off when required.
Multiple ways to divide spaces include Crittall screens, glazed panels, pivot and folding screens as well as louvred dividers and moveable walls in mixed materials.
For more information; www.oconnorsofdrumleck.ie; @oconnorsofdrumleck
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