Grand Study | Historic Estate | Switzerland
A bespoke masterpiece of interior design
The Grand Study, referred to by the client as the ‘Master Study’, is the centrepiece of the estate, and a principal room for our client, who recognised Artichoke’s unique ability to transform this now remarkable space. Part of a broader vision for the entire historic estate in Switzerland, which also included a Chef’s Kitchen and a Family Kitchen, the Grand Study brings together the perfect balance of history, functionality, and technology. Every detail is interrelated and carefully considered to seamlessly blend the heritage of the home with modern living.
Drawing inspiration from naval history and 18th century craftsmanship
Our designers needed a compelling starting narrative, originally working with an entirely featureless room.
Drawing on the client’s interest in naval history, Artichoke referenced the Great Cabin of HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship, immediately giving structure, interest and status to the design. The interiors of grand ships of the era rivalled country houses in craftsmanship, making this study a modern-day parallel that connects past, present and future.
Correcting spatial challenges with expert interior architecture
The team’s ability to control the interior architecture brought harmony to every dimension.
Faced with a parallelogram-shaped room and irregularly spaced dormer windows, we used precise mathematical planning to create balance. Our signature “room within a room” approach transformed the space, incorporating arched pilasters inspired by Roman triumphal arches to unify the design.
A fully panelled chestnut interior: rich in detail and craftsmanship
The study is fully panelled in rich polished chestnut with an interior that is highly ambitious in both detail and execution. Every inch of the narrative is considered, completely bespoke and unique to the client, including the elaborate panelling with a sunburst design set above the square-topped pilasters, leadwork to hold the individual glass panels in the glazed cabinets, naval rope motif plaster ceiling, custom steel studded interior security doors influenced by an antique safe, the woven wooden parquet flooring, layers of swagged window textiles, the wall coach lights and furnishings.
Hidden features and intelligent design for modern living
Boasting many hidden and intelligent design features, including a hidden marble-lined bar with built-in refrigerator drawers. The bar is set behind two-way mirrored glass that is illuminated by a button located in the kneehole of the desk, instantly transforming the bronze mirror into a beautiful interior.
There are also secret panelled compartments and a retracting computer screen that disappears into The Grand Desk.
The Grand Desk: a nautical-inspired engineering marvel
At the heart of the room is a substantial French polished walnut grand desk standing at more than two and a half metres wide. Further nautical references include brass rails around the edge, intricately carved details and an integrated monitor hidden below the leather worktop that is hand-operated using a traditional brass sailing winch – it is a feat of custom design and engineering demonstrating the very best of fine furniture making.
Discreetly positioned in the knee hole to the side are buttons that ring the service bells in the Chef’s Kitchen and operate the remote locking for the substantial study doors. Further secret panels reveal locking mechanisms for the drawers. In all it is a marvel of craft and detail befitting the captain of any ship.
The Artichoke Effect
The Grand Study is a timeless addition to this historic Swiss estate, exemplifying Artichoke’s mastery in creating highly ambitious spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. As with every Artichoke project, it is unique – designed to blend the history of the building with the passion of our client and in so doing, creating the estate’s legacy for future generations.
Photography Emma Lewis
Video High Water Films
