Design Focus: Apartment 29, Glasgow

Lynnet Leisure certainly know how to surprise you. The latest addition to its Royal Exchange Square premises is a modern, light and airy space in the eaves. What was formerly the company’s office has been turned into Apartment 29. And it is as different from the rest of the 3-storey 19th Century blonde sandstone building as it possibly could be.
It would be fair to say that Apartment 29 is not like any other space in Glasgow. Lynnet invested £500K in the transformation of the former offices into what is now described as a “New York style loft”. The space, which adds 2,500 sq. ft. to the private members club, has been designed with weddings in mind and has a capacity of 100.
Says General Manager, Michael Robertson, “Originally we wanted a break out space for our wedding parties, but the space will be used for other functions and perhaps dining too.”
As you enter Apartment 29 there is a long galley with a counter clad in marble. “This” explains Michael, “will be where reception drinks will be served. Instead of having four waiters with trays, guests will be able to pick a glass of bubbly up as they go into Apartment 29”.
As you turn the corner into the main area you are greeted with a dazzling display of white. Nord have taken the walls on the right hand side of the long rectangle room, back to original stone and have painted them white. This contrasts with white wood panelling that lines walls on the left hand side of the room. But again the designers have been clever, behind the wood cladding, which is reminiscent of US style clapperboard, is a large dry storage area. Says Michael, “We wanted to make use of all the available space.”
The attic style roof has large skylights which let in a lot of light, and many of the original beams have been exposed and painted white. While the floor – light oak – adds to the airiness of the room. And unlike some venues the flooring is not all laid the same way, which adds width.
The full-service bar is white and very minimalist and the posing table and large dining table tables are also a glossy white in fact they were made especially for the new venue. Both the posing and the dining tables have stunning legs with a bulbous feature – you want to run your hands over it.
The sofas and chairs are quite minimalist in shades of silver and black, and the occasional stools are black and the occasional tables are black too. There is no artwork to speak of, but the fibre optic lighting has been designed to swathe the room in colour at different times of the day, and for different occasions. There is also a chic changing room for the bride at the far end of the room, with an ensuite toilet.
Michael comments, “Apartment 29 is a fantastic boost to our existing offering at 29 and will considerably enhance our members experience at the club.”