“We put a lot of thought into our projects, focusing on a sense of space instead of individual taste. Because we come from architectural backgrounds, this influences our methodology and provides us with the technical ability to realise our design. We try to create synergy between exterior and interior. Working closely with the architects on this project, we designed the apartments from inside out, with functional and spatial needs influencing the external form of the building. This is how you get coherent designs that stand the test of time.” Speaking is Vesna Aksentijevic of interior design company FLINT, which is based in London, UK. She talks about FLINT’s work as interior designers for the apartments and entrance of Alto in Wembley Park.
“Spaces should possess integrity and inherent longevity”
“Historically architects designed everything.” Vesna continues. “They were responsible for the exterior and the interior. They even designed furniture and accessories. By doing so, they turned spaces into long-lasting, sustainable objects. A lot has changed since then, and exterior and interior design have taken different paths. At FLINT, we think that spaces should possess integrity and inherent longevity. We understand market trends, but our design approach is not driven by them; we want to create coherent, minimal and, most of all, contemporary spaces. Our focus for Alto was on neutral backgrounds, detailing, and a palette of high quality materials. Human comfort lies at the core of our practice. Whilst furniture and textiles are of great significance, spatial design and architectural interior detail should be able to stand on its own without them.”
A design philosophy instead of a stamp
“When you design, you not only think about space, light, rhythm and detailing, but also about practical solutions - opportunities, constraints, and user positive emotional response. After all, the users are all individuals with their own wishes and choices; apartments have to become their homes, and should be enjoyed by them. Each new resident will bring furniture, plants and art, and will make the space their own. By providing neutral palettes, you allow the residents this flexibility.
“After all, the users are all individuals with their own wishes and choices”
Tiles as we like them
“The materials and colours we chose for Alto added to these neutral canvases. Take for example the Ultragres Terra Maestricht tiles for the bathrooms. They have natural, beautiful colours, and they came in the right size of 60 x 60 centimetres. Because the colour of the tiles is not even, there is a handmade quality to them. The finish, tones and subtle gradations make them interesting, but they are still minimal and discreet. Bathrooms become tranquil spaces through their simplicity, with surfaces of soft ceramic and glass. What’s more, the bigger size - and thus the lack of grout - gives a spacious effect. We thought of combining small and big tiles, but sticking to one bigger size makes the overall experience simpler and stronger. Yes, less is more!
For the entrance, we selected the larger 90 x 90 centimetres, dark Quartz anthracite black Ultragres tiles, which have a small speckle in them. At night, these tiny speckles catch the light and make the space more vivid. FLINT have worked with Mosa in the past and our appreciation comes from their emphasis on innovation, quality and sustainability. No matter what size or colour, their tiles are always contemporary and architectural, but at the same time they feel handmade and timeless.”
“The focus is on the flow of space, orientation, light and a palette of high quality materials.”
Wembley Park
“There is no perfect formula in this work; we approach each project individually, do a lot of research, and think carefully about the context, the brief, and who the users are. We then explore, starting with drawing ‘the journey through an area’, with views and focus points. Wembley Park is an upcoming area close to the centre of London, and is very interesting for young professionals. Our client, and also the marketing specialists that we worked with, created a clear brief; the design approach places emphasis on the importance of open plan living. The focus is on the flow of space, orientation, light and a palette of high quality materials.
When we look back at the design and creative process, there might be a few details that we would change, but the overall approach and concept was a response to the brief and will hopefully stand the test of time. We look forward to seeing the interior used by residents and each apartment becoming someone’s home.
