An international family of four, identified as collectors, commissioned Bergman Design House to create their second home in London. Their brief was clear: they desired a space that was refined, personal, and enduring, functioning as a living archive where every object had significance and each material was purposefully chosen for its potential to accumulate meaning over time.
This vision guided the design of the 4,000 square foot listed residence. The London studio, co-founded by Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund, organized the apartment around the concept of collection rather than mere decoration. Unlike decoration, which fills space, a collection evolves over time, and the selected objects in the apartment are intended to grow in significance over the years.
Material selection was crucial; for instance, travertine, selected for its ability to improve with use. The stone's open pores capture light differently as it ages, revealing its natural variations over time. Bergman Design House emphasized this principle throughout the apartment's design.
In terms of furnishings, Marcin Rusak’s bar cabinet showcases preserved botanical elements suspended in resin, creating a piece that embodies preserved moments in time. Additionally, a three-dimensional wall installation by the Swiss studio Beyond engages viewers with its geometric depth, inviting repeated interactions that flat visuals cannot.
The custom joinery designed by James Wellesley and the stonework by Marco Pacitti connect the apartment to London's craftsmanship heritage. Walls are adorned with bespoke plasters and natural marquetry, chosen for their tactile warmth and enduring beauty. Fromental’s hand-painted wall coverings add another layer of craftsmanship, featuring variations inherent to manual production.
Photography by Vigo Jansons accompanies the project details, showcasing the thoughtful design approach by Bergman Design House.
