A metal-framed staircase leads to mezzanine floor inside this newly renovated flat in west London, but it also doubles up as climbing frame for the owners to practice circus tricks (+ slideshow).
The Grade II-listed property located in a conservation area of Maida Vale was in poor condition, and needed a significant overhaul to improve the original layout and fittings.

The focal point of the renovation, which is a collaboration between the flat's owner Xiao Ma Wei and the east London practice MS-DA, is the inclusion of a new white staircase.
This sculptural metal stair connects to an existing storage mezzanine, which has been lowered to create an elevated bedroom. But the cross-braced structure is also designed to be used as a piece of gym apparatus, a clothes rail and an informal resting spot.
"The flat is very grown-up and serious-looking, but there is a playful element we believe with what we call the climbing-frame," said MS-DA.

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"Xiao and his wife Fiona who love to practice climbing and circus arts are delighted to have created their ideal home in London."

The mezzanine overlooks a large living space with chevron parquet on one side and a tiled kitchen on the other.
The floor of the mezzanine is just 7.5 centimetres thick, helping to maximise every scrap of headroom.
Kitchen appliances including the fridge, oven and hob are tucked...