Benni Allan’s newly completed home functions as both a residence and an evolving design showcase. The space reflects his belief that living with objects over time reveals new meanings, and it therefore encourages constant interaction and discovery. As visitors move through the home, they encounter pieces collected from collaborators and friends, which reinforces the idea of an interior that grows through shared creativity.
The layout centers on a generous open-plan kitchen and living area, and the storage is cleverly concealed behind large cupboards. This approach softens the sharp geometry of the existing structure, while raw plaster and warm timber finishes create a calm backdrop. Additionally, the main bedroom connects to the kitchen through a full-height sliding door, allowing natural light to flow between spaces. A compact study, positioned along the corridor, doubles as a workshop where leftover materials often inspire new experiments.
Material Consciousness and Experimentation
Throughout the home, Douglas fir defines the atmosphere, since it appears across floors, walls and joinery. Allan uses it intentionally to test how cost-effective materials can age with character. Moreover, reclaimed elements — including mahogany parquet reused from an earlier project — introduce layers of memory and sustainability. As these surfaces interact, the interiors reveal a blend of new precision and lived-in texture, offering both visual warmth and conceptual depth.
Because the home serves as a testing ground, it also becomes a place for ongoing experimentation with form and craft. This dual function strengthens Allan’s commitment to exploring how architecture can remain adaptable without losing coherence. As a result, the apartment demonstrates how modest materials, when treated thoughtfully, can shape a meaningful and enduring environment.
Custom Objects and a Living Showcase
Furniture plays a central role in the design narrative, and many pieces have been crafted specifically for the space. A stacked coffee table anchors the living area and signals a forthcoming EBBA collection. Furthermore, a custom Douglas fir speaker — made in collaboration with Friendly Pressure and Our Department — adds both sculptural presence and warmth to the sound environment. These elements highlight Allan’s interest in blending music, craftsmanship and spatial design.
Together, the home’s architecture, materials and objects form a creative platform that evolves alongside daily life. Although the apartment feels serene, it remains intentionally open to change, encouraging new ideas and future additions. Consequently, the space stands as a clear expression of Allan’s belief that a home can be both a place to live and a place to think, experiment and grow.