A HOME IN THE SKY | Inside Architect Simon Allford's uplifting London apartment

A uniting factor behind the best homes is their adherence to certain design principles: space, light, materials, nature and decoration. It doesn’t matter if you live in a stately, a semi or a studio, these tenets – the framework of our co-founder Matt Gibberd’s book, A Modern Way to Live – can, as Matt says, “allow you to live a better and more fulfilled life”.

One person who knows that better than most is Simon Allford, co-founder of highly decorated architectural practice AHMM, chair of the board of trustees of the Architecture Foundation and former president of the RIBA. It’s precisely why Matt’s chosen Simon as the first subject in our new film series, Homing In.

A prime contender for the exploration of space, our first theme, Simon’s home is extraordinary, perched “in the sky”, spreading across the top floors of a Marylebone mansion block. Shifting over the decades he’s had it, it’s a masterclass in adaptation, changing as it has from bachelor pad to young couple’s lodgings to hardworking family home. Seen as a whole, Simon says, the apartment is “the long history of family life captured not in a photo album but in the spaces in which you’re in”.

Filming: Edmund Cook
Editing: David Potter
Production: Hannah Phillips
Graphic Design: Tom Young
Music by Father

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[aninomiai]

I love how he's been warned about the kids barging into his space, but he just does it anyway. And he doesn't complain at all. This man is not only sensitive about the needs of the family, but also loves his children. And how he fondly looks at his home as a place for his family history. He seems like a warm person.

[hypersynesthesia]

It’s a dream of a space. Love those fat, acidic citrus colours with the softer, textural panelling and fluting. Love the clever storage. He’s absolutely right about delight and joy being the essence of really beautiful architecture.

[monadiaz]

This tour/interview is pure magic. What a beautiful episode! I have watched it twice so far and it has only been aired less than 6 hrs ago!!! It’s like the space is talking to you and is using Simon as the medium! Wow! Perfection!

[martinpascoe]

Great programme. A beautiful clever house. As an architect myself, and having worked with Simon many years ago at RIBA I know how passionate he is about about design and the importance of fine detailing. His house reflects that passion. I love the way Simon says about the entrance hall - 'we cleared it for you' - as we all do when expecting visitors. ;-) The honesty of the interview is reflected in the honesty of the design. Small and simple interventions can make a huge difference to a space and life within it. Inspirational.

[janel]

I really love a peek into architects' own homes, I hope there will be more.

[NN-ccdd]

Absolutely gorgeous! The silver framed pieces of art are exquisite, as is the Corbusier lamp at 9:08! <3

[josecora]

This is the best video I've seen in a long time. This home is amazing, the owner's sense of space & how thoughtful the design is, it blew me away. 👏🏽👏🏽

[jodiesamanthabull]

I enjoyed hearing about Simons Alford experience in his childhood home. I have always felt so sensitive to certain spaces, growing up in my mums house where she still lives today, the spatial design and layout of the home always encouraged an undertone of unbalance. It's amazing how a space can completely alter ones concentration or mood.. I have increasingly aware of this overtime. I really ope to be able to build a space like this one day. Thank you for breaking down into chapters and going a little bit longer form on this one. :) Really enjoyed.

[carolynmullet]

So many valuable modernist tidbits. You've quite cheered me up on a gloomy day. I hope you do more of these.

[ewmagency]

This could have been 4 hours long, I enjoyed it so much

[marijanajovanova]

Such an astonishing place. Clever storytelling. Vitra collection my fave. 🖤✔️ Black wardrobe …. 🔝

[annjohnson]

Thank you for posting this exceptional video! I am typically drawn to traditional homes/furnishings, but this amazing home opened my eyes to the beauty and functionality of modern design. I would love to live in a home like this one. Well done! ❤

[jow]

What a delight - the interviewee and the interviewer plus the residence . Totally charming and very enjoyable 👌🏻

[keithronson]

This is incredible! Fighting back tears. Emotional. This is what a home and family life should be. Yes the home of an architect and in London. Yet there is so much we can all take away from this about living in a space and making it 'OUR' home, be it alone [case in point!] or as an ever-changing couple or indeed family. So much to absorb and consider. Brilliant! More please. This could prove to be 'life-changing'. Thank You for sharing.

[rasharnpowell]

This is special and the orange door lengths are beautiful, incredibly grandiose yet understated

[CARMARCUSO]

The taste! what a inspiration to live space.

[linnwiberg]

this was extraordinary! what a gentle, inspiring conversation and emotional space

[anamina]

This flat is a masterpiece. I've been waiting for updates from the channel, thinking than maybe it was no more, but you did this incredible video so... thank you! I totally ralate the evolution of a space withing the life changes, It was simply perfect.

[mdmstripey]

Absolutely loved this. A beautiful tour and interview.

[mushaaboom]

What a treat being able to peek into such a wonderfully designed space, every detail is so well thought-through - and there's such a joyful Bauhausian thread running through all the rooms, connecting everything together. Thank you for taking the time with this one - hope to see more long videos!