Architecture firm Farrells has overhauled a 19th-century building in London's Belgravia neighbourhood to create a shopping and dining destination that spotlights both Japanese and Nordic craft.
The Pantechnicon building was originally built in 1830 as an arts and crafts centre, before becoming a warehouse where the affluent locals of Belgravia could store their excess belongings.
Now, following five years of renovation works, it contains shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that all, in some way, reflect Japanese and Nordic culture.
Top image: the exterior of Pantechnicon. Above: the white-brick extension at the rear of the store. Photo by Charlie Mckay
The renovation saw Farrells dramatically expand Pantechnicon by adding a three-storey rear extension and enlarging its basement. Clad in glazed white bricks, the extension is stepped in form and is punctuated by large crittal-style windows that wink at the building's past as a warehouse.
Pantechnicon has warm, exposed-brick interiors. Photo by Charlie Mckay
Care was taken to preserve Pantechnicon's grandiose facade, which features a series of towering columns. The building also kept its original name ? "pan" stems from the Greek term for "all", and "techne" loosely translates to "arts and crafts" or the act of making.
"Our designs have carefully restored the building and celebrated its heritage, whilst enhancing its interiors for modern-day use," said Russ Hamilton, design part...