Architect
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Developer
Robert Beecham
Contractor
Gilmac Building Services Ltd
Planning Authority
London Borough of Camden
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This site used to be a filling station because it sat at a key road junction connecting Primrose Hill, Camden, Euston and Regent's Park. Such prominence, and its proximity to exceptional streets, demanded a high quality landmark.
The block of 12 large 2 and 3-bed apartments is composed of three sub-blocks, one of three storeys and a basement, the other two of four storeys. The blocks follow the depth of the triangular plot as it moves from deep at one side of the triangle to narrow at the tip. You can see this in the way the street frontage steps forward twice as it moves north to south.
The southern elevation cantilevers at each floor. Besides the presence and extra floor space this gives, it means the large terrace garden at ground floor exploiting the apex of the site is obscured to those above. The set-back to the building line at the northern end is used to flood light into a basement flat through a sunken patio garden and the middle set-back is used as another hidden ground floor terrace. The three elevations visible from the road are faced with limestone, punctured with large cut-outs for the fenestration which appears random but which is generally narrow for bedrooms or kitchens and broad for living rooms. Some living rooms have balconies, which are recessed and faced with clear glass balustrades making them so inconspicuous that only the clutter of outdoor furniture on them gives them away. They give the impression of being reasonably private for such a busy junction. All the apartments are at least dual aspect, several triple.
The rear of the scheme is rendered. The limestone facing material is repeated in the access ramp and throughout the common parts, including the treads and risers of the stairs and to the floor of the lift car. Limestone continues under the apartment doorways and is used for halls, bedrooms and living/dining areas. Kitchens are modest by comparison with, for example, composite worktops. But with great plans, good floor to ceiling heights coupled to expanses of clear glazing, the resident enjoys soaring space and light - more enriching than pricey worktops.