Interior Design - Detail in Oxford
"A shadow may be infinitely dark and also of infinite degrees of absence of darkness. Shadow is the means by which bodies display their form. The forms of bodies could not be understood in detail but for the shadow."
― Leonardo da Vinci
At our Quatrefoil House project in Oxford, we drew inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci—part of the many and diverse research threads we like to pull. Here, within the interiors the principles of shadow and shade were placed above material finish. Shadow became our chosen language, shaping a soothing and luxurious interior atmosphere.
Leonardo devoted much of his life to studying the dance between light and shadow—centuries before Tanizaki’s In ‘Praise of Shadows’ illuminated the hidden beauty in darkness. His 1933 essay on Japanese aesthetics revealed the emotional weight of absence, deepening our appreciation for what is left unseen.
The world continues to learn from Leonardo’s mastery. His chiaroscuro technique—modelling with light and shade—brought a lifelike presence to his paintings. It’s this timeless interplay that captured our interest.
Within the project, a simple fireplace component anchors the main living spaces, restoring the regal heart of this 18th-century home. The classical form is reimagined in black steel and blue-black slate, surrounding a bespoke metal grate.
This elemental piece, refined through soft minimalism, flirts with classical motifs and echoes the architectural rhythm of the new façade. A singular object—rich with shadow, depth, and layered meaning.
Below, our component drawings reveal the subtle detailing and thoughtful craftsmanship behind this centrepiece..
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