As part of the wider Chelsea Barracks masterplan, the first phase of highly crafted Portland stone apartment blocks have been completed.
Taking inspiration from the formal Georgian squares of Belgravia, the residential buildings are positioned around a series of landscaped public routes and spaces, ensuring the development is accessible to the local community and evolves as a natural addition to Belgravia.
Whilst being rooted in the heritage and context of the local area, the architectural language is distinctly contemporary. Building facades are characterised by smooth and textured variations of Portland Stone, fluted vertical columns, recessed bays and projecting balconies.
Bespoke leaf patterns designed for the external metalwork on balconies and penthouse screens were inspired by the history of productive gardens once prevalent in the area, as well as the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden, adding richness and complexity.
Client Qatari Diar
Masterplanners Squire & Partners, Dixon Jones, Kim Wilkie
Architect Squire & Partners
Landscape Designer Gustafson Porter & Bowman
Status Completed 2019
LEED Platinum certification
Masterplan
Drawing upon the local character of Belgravia and Chelsea, we explored many established urban forms – squares, crescents, terraces, mews – and used contemporary interpretations of these to anchor the masterplan in the past whilst looking to the future.
In addition to the trio of apartment blocks (Phase I) designed by Squire & Partners, the plan offers over two acres of public landscaping, including Garrison Square, which hosts a community space in a retained historic chapel, a famers’ market, a restaurant, and vibrant retail units.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Three distinct types are used across the site: roach (richly textured with shell remnants), whitbed (lightly fossil-pitted), and basebed (smooth and refined). The adjacent townhouse facades of Phase II by Studio PDP use a mix of basebed and whitbed stone, while the apartment buildings of Phase I incorporate all three. Deeply pitted honed roach stone is used at the base of the buildings, adding textural richness for pedestrians.
Intricate metalwork handrails on the projecting balconies are formed from waterjet-cut aluminium plate, and adorned with botanical motifs inspired by illustrations from the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden.
Permeability
Drawing on the London condition of primary routes and back-streets, the development introduces a variety of routes – some formal, others more discreet – allowing people to navigate the space in their own way.
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