The majestic materials of a 1930s apartment in Borough, south-east London
But the interiors hadn’t always been this way. The apartment lies in a typical 1930s brick building – Balin House – within walking distance of Borough Market and Bermondsey Street. Until 2013, it had a simple scheme that looked and felt much like its neighbours. However, that year, the current owner, Eduardo Padilha, an artist who runs the community-focused practice Balin House Projects, decided to collaborate with not-for-profit design firm Public Works and overhaul the place.
Eduardo first purchased the apartment in 2010 as a modest one-bed – but he soon found out he had the right to buy the derelict laundry room next door. With the extra footprint, he would have more space, enough to accommodate his studio and needs as an artist. In order to connect the rooms, the home underwent a major refurbishment – together with Public Works, he stripped the space, which also gave him an opportunity to bring the 1938 home right up to date with contemporary fittings, such as insulation boards. The behind-the-scenes details, he says, were given as much thought as the aesthetics.
Speaking of, the artist drew inspiration from the architecture of his motherland, Brazil. In particular, it was the 1950s modernist movement that piqued his interest. The bespoke metal window shutters, for instance, feature a graphic pattern informed by Brazilian buildings from that period. The beautiful black terrazzo, which features on the floor and surfaces, was also selected as a homage to his heritage – the material is particularly popular in the southern part of the country. As for the Siberian larch? It’s arguably the star of the show – Eduardo employed a specialist carpenter to make each piece of joinery, as a way to bring warmth to the palette.
It’s easy to see why the place has served the owner well as a working artist. The flat, kitted out with second-hand modular furniture, is incredibly functional: the artist has hosted lunches and workshops for the community of creatives – and what a fitting place for it. It’s not only the interiors that provide inspiration but the abundance of natural light too. Some of the window shutters have been inlaid with yellow vinyl, for example, which mean golden streams cast across the space. Meanwhile, the dining area – formerly the laundry room – is flooded with light courtesy of a trio of boxy windows that overlook a communal stairwell. A bright place, full of bright ideas too.
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