House Call: Industrial Facility
Issue 36 · Industrial Chic · September 5, 2008
A while back, we discovered the work of London-based design/build outfit Turner Castle Associates; we especially admired this house: a 1924 mechanic's garage in Primrose Hill, turned into a 1,000-square-foot living space for industrial designer Sam Hecht and architect Kim Colin. Hecht's mantra—"less is everything"—is the guiding principle in this project. Floor-to-ceiling white cupboards conceal all clutter; the original parquet floors were preserved; and furnishings are restricted to a small collection of modernist pieces.






After admiring the Turner Castle project, we learned that the inhabitants were the team behind Industrial Facility, a product design company that has a knack for paring down everyday objects to simple, functional forms. Muji aficionados may recognize some of their designs:

Above: Coffee maker, available from Muji Japan for ¥4,900.

Above: Sam Hecht designed this magnetic knife rack, manufactured by Taylor's Eye Witness in Sheffield. Available in beech or bamboo, the rack can hold up to 10 knives; prices start at £16 at Premier Cutlery.

Above: IF 4000 knife series by Sam Hecht. Prices start at $45.50 from Conran USA.

Above: Jersey oven dish set for Maytag.

Above: Chantry Knife Sharpener by Sam Hecht; $65 at Fitszu.
