Winnie Tam's project, Wiltspoon House in London, is a masterclass in how to create a personal sanctuary in the midst of 24/7 city living. We caught up with the architect and founder of design studio, fourteen a.m., about how to create "City Sanctuaries", her design philosophy, and how to foster meaning in kitchen design.
Big city living has its advantages, but the 24/7 lifestyle and that feeling of always being "switched on" can take its toll on our health and well-being. Do we need to leave the city and move to the country to experience calm, restoration, beauty and happiness? Winnie Tam believes not and her mission is to create City Sanctuaries - tranquil homes where her clients can "pause" and find restoration in the middle of London. Wiltspoon House is a perfect example. It has a sense of poetry with its light-filled kitchen extension and meditative, nature-inspired spaces where her clients can step outside of their busy lives and slow down.
"In this 24/7 non-stop world, we see the need to find time for appreciating smaller things in life. That moment of calm, peace and beauty may seem beyond reach, just like the time 14 a.m. Yet at fourteen a.m., we make it possible".
Winnie: "I spent 15 years in architecture, working with world-renowned architectural practises including Renzo Piano Building Workshop, David Chipperfield Architects and Junya Ishigami & Associates. I then set up fourteen a.m. as a design enthusiast studio specialising in creating spaces that promote a natural, simple and calm way of life.
"For a few years before I set it up, I got depressed a few times. As I was seeking answers and seeking happiness I realised that city living as well as working in the construction industry put a lot of stress on me. I started seeking nature and collected bits of nature to bring home. I started creating "natural corners" in my home, and that became my sanctuary, helping me to find calm and peace.
"I also aim to make some contribution to the world where I can. I'd like Ito think that the bit of calm and restorative moments I create is my way of saying "thank you".
"So the idea of creating City Sanctuaries is actually very personal. I thought I must not be the only person who needs this calm when I return home.
"As a child I always loved creating things, anything. I remember putting staples together to make "staple curtains", collecting random items to make jewellery, cutting good clothing to make my own different design. Creating things has always been a way for me to relax, though it was always creating whatever pops into my mind, rather than having any agenda.
"When creating a space, I believe it actually isn't just my creation, it's a combination between me and my client. The very first step is when me and my client establish an understanding and liking. I spend quite a lot of time getting to know my client before starting any design. I feel the more in synch I am with my client, the better the design would be. Many of the design ideas originate from conversations with the client. When they tell me how they are, what they like etc. I feel inspired and starting to see what kind of space they'd like to live in.
"When planning a kitchen, there is a key question I ask - what does a kitchen mean to you - a personal space? a gathering space? a practical space? a relaxation space? etc. That would then be my priority in creating a suitable kitchen and I think it's actually very unique for each individual.
"I put a lot of effort into the design so it is important to me that the quality of the kitchen matches our effort. I chose Custom Fronts to supply their European white crown oak with simple oblong hand-routed handles for this kitchen. They really align with my clean, simple aesthetic. I seek good quality materials and fine details, which is what Custom Fronts is to me.
"Personally speaking, I like making sure the kitchen is an inviting space, which means:-
- enough easy-to-use storage so it is easy to keep tidy
- good quality material so you can enjoy being there
-well thought-out sequence of space to suit the way you cook
Eastern philosophy resonates deeply with Winnie - it infuses her entire approach to design. The lack of individualism, the connection with nature and the search for a deeper sense of meaning results in meditative, collaborative, considered and deeply mindful spaces where her clients can restore themselves and find peace. Kitchen: our white European crown-cut oak with 150mm oblong hand-routed handlesDesign: Winnie Tam https://www.fourteen-am.comPhotography: Edwina Bruzas https://edvinasbruzas.com