Few practices explore architecture with the holistic
approach and fervent passion of Spink. The London-
based firm weaves together refined, contemporary
design with the time-honed expertise of a master
builder under the leadership of Michael Spink (see
W*241); and our shoot location – Little Gem, a single-
family home in Kensington, west London – is the
studio’s latest offering. ‘It is minimal in design, generous
in scale,’ says Spink, explaining that this project is all
about ‘subtle materials, thoughtful design and precision
of execution’. The two-bedroom home may appear
bijou at a fairly compact 191 sq m, but a philosophy of
‘less is more’ was strongly embedded in its concept
right from the start. Spanning three levels, with privateareas on the bright lower ground floor and social
spaces above, the interior is connected via a central,
white sculptural staircase. Its centrepiece, though, is the
generous oak-panelled master bedroom suite, which
includes a Japanese-style courtyard, walk-in wardrobe
and Carrara marble bathroom of a size typically found
in dwellings several times larger than this one. Large
openings direct the eye out towards the rear garden,
created by landscape specialist Christopher Bradley-
Hole. Lead architect and designer Franz Borho – a
former director at David Chipperfield Architects – has
ensured that everything exudes understated luxury and
simplicity, while the interiors include bespoke furniture
from the company’s By Spink branch. spinkpartners.comGrand plan
Less is more at this bijou residence in west London
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