An Award-Winning Shoji-Inspired Loft Apartment in London

This beautifully crafted apartment, designed by the acclaimed Proctor and Shaw, recently earned RIBA and Dezeen awards for its innovative design. Located on the first floor of a Victorian townhouse in Belsize Park, it draws inspiration from traditional Japanese shoji screens and features a translucent elevated sleeping pod that enhances both space and natural light.

The apartment’s serene and calming atmosphere is complemented by clever storage solutions and thoughtful detailing throughout. Set in a highly desirable area, it’s just a short stroll from the green expanses of Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, and Regent’s Park.

When you enter the small loft, there is an instant sense of calm that welcomes you thanks to the birch plywood cabinets and walls, Forbo flooring, and light gray Clayworks plaster.

The bay window with large windows turns the home into a bright space, while the big tree offers privacy. The former fireplace recess is turned into storage space with birch plywood cabinets and bookshelves.

Although the apartment is only 35 square meters (383 sq ft), thanks to the light, high ceiling, and clever layout, it feels much bigger. It even has clear cooking, sitting, and sleeping areas without feeling cramped.

One wall is fitted with stylish modern birch-ply kitchen cabinets paired with a quartz worktop.

The birch-ply paneled wall next to the kitchen also hides the door to the bathroom with walls and floor that are lined with micro cement concrete and a floor-to-ceiling shower screen with stainless steel fittings.

A stylish box in the corner, made from aluminum polycarbonate screens, hides more than you think. By sliding back a panel, you either open up storage space under the loft bed or access the staircase leading to the sleeping quarters.

The loft apartment is listed for £490,000 at The Modern House.