Flat in London, United Kingdom, 43 m²

A superb renovation has transformed this apartment in the iconic Alaska building in south-east London. The use of tactile raw plaster and thoughtful custom joinery created a beautiful and versatile living space that blends perfectly with the building's original glazing and tall warehouses. The landscaped gardens are shared by residents of the building, which is a short walk from bustling Bermondsey Street.

The Alaska building, recognizable by its white façade and red-lit logo, makes a strong first impression. Behind secure gates are two former factories: one built in 1869, the other in 1932. The factory closed in the 1960s and was converted into apartments in the 1990s.

The apartment is on the first floor of the building, entered through a door in the original Crittall glass wall. Inside, the space is impressive, with an abundance of light streaming in and the strikingly high four-metre ceiling height highlighted by the current owner, who used it to hang unusual pendant lights.

The lower level of the apartment is versatile in nature, with separate seating and dining areas. Underfoot is an oak floor, and the walls are decorated with peach-hued lime paint. To the rear is the kitchen with plywood cabinets, quartz countertops and appliances including a dishwasher, two ovens (one of them a microwave combo) and a refrigerator/freezer, washer/dryer and stove.

A metal staircase with subtle lighting leads to the mezzanine level, where there is a cleverly designed sleeping area with custom storage solutions. A glass balustrade at the far end looks down onto the space below, and the folding door can be closed at night.

Pastel orange accents are repeated in the bathroom, a tranquil space with white tiles, a bathtub, overhead shower and Italian sink. The ceiling is painted in a sophisticated slate color and floral brass fittings are added.

The common outdoor space shared by residents of Alaska Buildings is well maintained and carefully landscaped. In the center is an ornamental fresh water pond surrounded by mature shrubs and grasses. Atmospheric lighting adds coziness in the evenings.

The Alaska building is located just off Grange Road, which runs west of Bermondsey Spa Gardens. Burnside Street is approximately five minutes' walk away and offers places like White Cube Gallery, Comptoir Gourmand, The Giddy Grocer, The Watch House, Café Murano, José and Pizzaro, as well as many other cafes, bars and restaurants.

Maltby Street Market runs along the railway arches and offers a variety of cuisines, as well as a natural wine bar 40 Maltby Street. Druid Street north of the arches includes craft breweries and a bakery/wine store from St. John. Borough Market is approximately 10 minutes' walk away and has some of the best fruit, veg and fresh produce sellers in London; Monmouth Coffee, Ginger Pig and Brindisa are regular contributors.

Tanner Street Park offers free public tennis courts and is also home to the French restaurant Pique-Nique, located in the park's former pavilion.

Many of London's most famous cultural institutions, including Tate Modern, Southbank Center and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, are all within a 20-minute walk of the apartment.

London Bridge Station is approximately 15 minutes' walk away and serves the Northern and Jubilee Underground lines, as well as train routes across the country. Bermondsey station is a similar distance away, serving the Jubilee line. Central London is a 20-minute walk across London Bridge.