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SPLIT DECISION How to use partitions to create a versatile broken-plan space
from S!z!!s?
SPLIT DECISION
FROM INTERNAL GLAZING TO SCREENS, THESE SMART SOLUTIONS ARE A MASTERCLASS IN BROKEN-PLAN LIVING
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PHOTOGRAPH MICHAEL SINCLAIR FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
SLIDING PANELS
Broken-plan living is a midway point between the open-plan layout and the more traditional space comprised of separate rooms. One way to achieve this is by looking to doors that can be closed when required, but without impacting on the appearance of the room when opened. This London apartment uses floor-to-ceiling sliding panels clad in sections of parquet, which look just as much a part of the space whether pulled across or not. ‘Using the parquet panels as inserts on the wall allows their geometric effect to be enjoyed at eye level,’ says Maria Speake, founder of Retrouvius. ‘When closed, this sliding wall reveals a recessed pocket used to display some of the clients’ art collection.’ →
BUNNY TURNER, co-founder, Turner Pocock
FORM & FUNCTION
In order to break up a large room, Onesta designed this partition, featuring an entertainment system and a glass-walled fireplace. ‘We used heat-resistant porcelain, which also helped to visually break up the spaces,’ says Daniele Brutto, co-founder of Onesta.
KELLY WEARSTLER, interior designer
S (FORM & FUNCTION )
PHOTOGRAPH
JAKE FITZJONES; (TWO ROOMS OUT OF ONE) ALEXANDER JAMES
TWO ROOMS OUT OF ONE
Integrate a glazed partition to separate a large room into two spaces, but take inspiration from this Studio Peake project and leave a gap in the middle. The two zones feel separate from each other, due to the glazing, but the gap allows unimpeded movement and increases the flexibility of how these spaces can be used. Make sure to consider the usage of any room that you wish to include in a broken-plan space. The farther space here was fitted out as a cinema room, so a blackout screen was integrated into the design, meaning it can be pulled fully across to plunge the room into darkness, but doesn’t have to remain in sight when the zone isn’t being used as a home cinema. →
DECORATIVE GLAZING
Sometimes all you need is the very hint at a partition to visually zone off one space from another. Use decorative glazing carefully and you may find you only need to extend this a foot or so into the centre of a room to break the open-plan flow enough to create the desired separation. This project from design firm Maddux Creative uses a steel frame with geometric glazed panels. Nodding at Art Deco design, the panels have been filled in with a variety of glazing techniques, from coloured to fluted glass. Continue the feeling of stepping into a new space by adapting the flooring accordingly, too. Here, the floor tiles reflect the tones and geometrics of the panel, emphasising its importance in the scheme.
PHOTOGRAPH RICARDO LABOUGLE
ROBERT WALSH, founder and owner, Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors
S (CREATIVE CORNER) WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ;
PHOTOGRAPH
(CLEVER LAYOUT) JAMES MERRELL/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
FLOOR STORY
‘Created to make impact on entry, this hallway floor helps lead guests through to the living area,’ says Hayley Robson, creative director, Day True. Reflecting this shift in tempo on walls as well reinforces the changing use of space.
CREATIVE CORNER
This office from Clements Design adds extra interest by making use of Crittall Windows pocket doors, meeting on a corner. The design also allows the walls to disappear completely when a more open-plan look is desired.
CLEVER LAYOUT
Not all layouts lend themselves to becoming broken-plan, but being smart with your furniture can still achieve the look.This space by Wendi Wolf Lewitt uses furniture to create zones. High-backed seating is especially useful for this style. →
TIFFANY DUGGAN, co-founder, Studio Duggan
SCREEN SCENE
Ensure you can create a brokenplan look at a moment’s notice with the use of moveable screens. By choosing a decorative style, like designer Paolo Moschino has done here, you can also create elegant backdrops.
TAKE IT LOW
This sunken space incorporates a cinema area without breaking the open-plan feel. ‘Think about the “view”,’ says Emilie Mauran, EMR Architecture’s managing director. ‘If there’s an aspect you want to see make sure nothing gets in the way.’
BRING IN THE LIGHT
In poorly lit spaces, indoor windows can ‘borrow’ light from elsewhere. ‘It’s a great option in smaller homes because you get the perceived space of adjoining rooms while still feeling some division,’ says Thomas Cox, co-founder of Ham Interiors.
S (SCREEN SCENE) PAUL MASSEY/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM;
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(BRING IN THE LIGHT) ALEXANDER JAMES
INSIDER INSIGHT
WE DELVE INTO THE DETAIL OF CREATING A BROKEN-PLAN SPACE
LOOK TO CLASSIC STEEL FRAMES
‘Substituting a solid plastered wall with a glazing system allows an increased sense of space by visually connecting rooms and offers the opportunity to bring natural light into areas which may not be served by windows,’ says Chris Eaton, associate director at Stiff + Trevillion. ‘Steel-framed glazing offers designers the flexibility to create pane sizes to reflect the proportions and rhythm of the rooms and surrounding architecture it inhabits and can neatly incorporate opening sections either as doorways or casement windows. They can be prone to condensation forming on the steel frames, so avoid using in any areas where there is a temperature difference either side of the screen.’
SPACE OUT WITH A SCREEN ‘We love
using screens to divide rooms,’ says Paolo Moschino, head of interior design firm Nicholas Haslam. ‘For me, it’s very important not to disclose everything at once and that is what screens are perfect for; they hide a surprise behind them and, especially for a large room, they confine the space and create cosiness. As a bonus, if you move to a new house you can just fold your screen and take it with you to new adventures.’
CENTRAL HEATING ‘Rather than
confining a woodburning stove to the fireplace think of it as a piece of freestanding furniture,’ says Cedric Wells, creative director at Charnwood. ‘By positioning a stove central to the room you create a connection between different zones. Be sure to allow enough space around the stove to avoid combusting any material – especially if you are building a stud wall wooden panel divider. Many stoves will incorporate convection panels, which significantly reduce safe distances, but if they don’t it’s worth considering a wall-mounted heat shield to protect the wall. If you choose a woodburning design, note that new regulation is coming in 2022 to improve air quality so make sure you choose an ‘Ecodesign Ready’ model. There is a wide range already on the market, just look for the ‘clearSkies’ mark.’
DESIGN AN INTEGRATED
PARTITION Room dividers are a wonderful way to make use of unexploited space and to create a broken-plan layout within the home,’ says Simon Tcherniak, designer at Neville Johnson. ‘When designing a room divider to fit around the home’s natural architectural features, consider using extra tall bookcases – perhaps with the addition of a ladder – to make use of the height. You could also opt for open or hidden shelves which allow you to either display your ornaments or hide clutter.’ &
TIFFANY DUGGAN, co-founder, Studio Duggan
THE SOURCEBOOK: INTERNAL DOORS
CRITTALLWINDOWS
The go-to for steel windows for almost two centuries, Crittall Windows offers a large range of hot-rolled steel window profiles, crittall-windows.co.uk
FABCO SANCTUARY
For a slim fit, this West Sussex company offers W20 steel door systems, which are among the thinnest steel glazing bars on the market, fabcosanctuary.com
DEANTA
Offering both bespoke and ready-made options, Deanta’s creations include oak and walnut internal folding doors, as well as wooden pocket doors, deantawood.co.uk
ELEGANT DOORS
Using both wood and glass to make its doors, this brand has a look to suit every space, from internal bifolds to sliding doors and partitions, elegantdoors.co.uk
