In a unique architectural endeavor, Neiheiser Argyros has meticulously converted a historic Victorian outbuilding in North London into a dynamic annex, known as the Exeter Road Pavilion. This project caters to an art collector and DJ's dual needs: a dedicated space for their extensive collections and a vibrant setting for entertaining guests. The cornerstone of this transformation is an elongated, built-in storage system, ingeniously designed to function as a contemporary 'cabinet of curiosities.' This innovative unit not only houses a diverse array of items, from vinyl records and books to art pieces, but also integrates essential living functionalities, including a kitchenette and outdoor recreational storage. The studio's approach was to treat these diverse requirements as a singular architectural challenge, resulting in a cohesive and adaptable space that bridges the past with modern living.
The 'Cabinet of Curiosities' at Exeter Road Pavilion
The Exeter Road Pavilion, envisioned by Neiheiser Argyros, redefines the concept of integrated storage with its extraordinary 20-meter-long 'cabinet of curiosities.' This central feature is more than just a storage solution; it's the architectural spine of the entire extension. Beginning as discreet wardrobes in the sleeping area, it organically evolves into a fully equipped kitchenette and a curated display for the client's records, books, and artworks within the living zone. The cabinet's intelligent design extends seamlessly into the adjacent patio, where it cleverly conceals weights, a ping-pong table, and garden games. Beyond its storage capabilities, this robust unit also serves a crucial structural role, supporting a steel-framed canopy adorned with corrugated polycarbonate sheets, creating an inviting outdoor living space.
The inspiration behind this remarkable cabinet, as articulated by co-founder Ryan Neiheiser, stems from the historical 'wunderkammer' – a collection of diverse and seemingly disparate objects that invites observers to forge their own connections and narratives. Neiheiser Argyros aimed for a design that is both enigmatic and revealing, where the cabinet presents a unified, tranquil facade while subtly hinting at the intriguing treasures housed within. The front of this elongated structure is meticulously clad in perforated steel, a material choice that recurs in the large garden doors and smaller compartments throughout the living space. Complementing the steel, wood-lined niches offer open storage and display opportunities, adding warmth and texture. The interplay of opacity and transparency, along with the strategic use of materials, ensures that the 'cabinet of curiosities' is not merely functional but also an engaging architectural statement, inviting exploration and appreciation of its contents.
Architectural Ingenuity and Material Harmony
The Exeter Road Pavilion showcases Neiheiser Argyros's commitment to architectural ingenuity and a harmonious blend of materials. A lengthy corridor runs parallel to the innovative 'cabinet of curiosities,' fostering an open and fluid connection between the various interior zones – the living room, a dedicated study, and the sleeping area, which is thoughtfully adjoined by a private bathroom. The choice of perforated steel for the cabinet's facade is a deliberate one, offering a contemporary aesthetic while also serving practical purposes, such as light modulation and visual intrigue. This material extends to the large garden doors and smaller, integrated compartments within the living space, creating a cohesive design language throughout the extension.
Further demonstrating their creative problem-solving, the studio addressed the structural needs of the garden canopy with an unexpected solution. A corner column was reimagined, replaced by a striking block of green marble and tension rods. This arrangement not only provides essential support but also symbolizes the inherent 'codependence' between the project's diverse functionalities, as articulated by Neiheiser. He draws parallels to the work of artists Fischli & Weiss, specifically their photographic series that captures everyday objects in a precarious, yet balanced, state. This artistic sensibility informs the extension's design, where the existing outbuilding, the storage cabinet, the canopy, the structural column, and the marble plinth all exist in a delicate, interdependent relationship, creating a sense of elegant tension and unexpected balance. The result is a structure that is both robust and visually compelling, where every element contributes to the overall architectural narrative.