Kingwood – Elite living in Knightsbridge
Offering unprecedented luxury, Kingwood is a new boutique development in Knightsbridge, comprising 10 high-end exceptional apartments and situated at 55 Hans Place, a stone’s throw from Harrods and the exclusive shopping of Sloane Street.
With superb views over Hans Place Garden, the recently completed development incorporates six large lateral and triplex apartments ranging from three to five bedrooms, and four smaller one bedroom apartments.
In addition, the scheme includes a basement-level professionally managed gym and treatment spa, a luxurious glass-fronted wine store with designated lockable spaces for individual owners, a media room, a catering kitchen, secure underground parking, and full 24 hour concierge and security services on site.
Arranged across four buildings, Kingwood, which incorporates retained original Victorian townhouse façades from the site, was developed by Finchatton to create exceptional London homes that effortlessly balance timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
Project architects for the scheme were Squire & Partners; main contractors were Chorus Group.
The design of the development was inspired by the richly detailed rose-red brick façades, which form the character of the Hans Place Conservation Area.
According to the architects, “The designs are a respectful and crafted response to the setting, retaining historic elements of the existing façades and integrating them with contemporary insertions.
“We identified areas of the façade in which a bespoke brick could be accommodated – typically above and below window lintels/spandrels, and on the flank wall of a prominent chimney which rises at the corner of Hans Place and Herbert Crescent – creating an element of bespoke contemporary craft which responds to the historic urban grain, fusing traditional craftsmanship and modern digital fabrication to establish a new modern vernacular.”
Anna Waterer of Finchatton, project manager for the scheme, said: “This is a large development for the company. The works commenced with site demolition, excavation work and the construction of a concrete frame by Knightbuild in 2012, prior to the new construction by Chorus – who did an excellent job. Two original external façades were retained on the site, with two new ones being added.
“Challenges of the project included getting the quality and detailing of the craftsmanship right on the brickwork of the external façades – which are quite spectacular and the finished effect is outstanding.”
Whilst retaining the high quality ‘Finchatton’ look which is so popular with purchasers, many new ‘quirks’ were also added to the design – with numerous special features such as the stunning triplex staircase with central bespoke chandelier in apartment 1, for example.
Construction was completed in phases, with the first large apartment and all of the smaller units being completed in September 2016, and the two final large units being handed over in July this year.
Anna Waterer concluded: “We have had excellent feedback about the scheme from agents and potential purchasers, and have sold all but two of the large apartments and two of the smaller ones.
“This has been a great scheme to work on and really wonderful to work with such a great team. To take this project from the early stages to final completion has been fantastic.”
Herricasa srl
Herricasa srl specialise in the creation of magnificent architectural interiors for the commercial, private, retail and hospitality sectors. The company has been in operation since 1998 and has the capabilities to provide design development services, manufacturing and project management, project and program planning, installation and quality assurance.
Herricasa srl works with a wide range of clients from main contractors to private residents. In addition to working with Finchatton on the Kingwood Project, Herricasa srl has also worked with other leading London architects including David Chipperfield within a project with Spink Property, Casa Forma and Oro Bianco.
Most recently, Herricasa srl was appointed as one of the main contractors on the Kingwood project. Herricasa srl worked intensely, manufacturing and delivering all the bespoke kitchens of the residence.
Herri Pavesi, Founder and Project Manager for Herricasa srl, said:
“It was a privilege to be involved with the Kingwood project in collaboration with Finchatton. We are always excited to contribute to their projects.”
Herri added:
“Over the years, our service has expanded and specialised so that today we are able to follow the customer in every aspect of design, lighting engineering and the harmonious marching of colours.”
Treebox
Established in 2009 by Armando Raish, Treebox are a specialist living wall company that help design, develop, distribute and install urban greening solutions for domestic and commercial applications. Treebox are one of the UK’s leading living wall designers and suppliers having worked on a number of iconic installations across the country.
Treebox is made up of a highly experienced team with a wealth of professional qualifications in garden design, horticulture, project management, manufacturing and product development. Working across a range of small and large projects, the company is dedicated to providing sustainable and aesthetic solutions by sourcing locally manufactured, recycled and environmentally friendly materials.
Residential services provided by Treebox include exterior planting, temporary screening and interior planting. The company’s team of skilled designers and installers are dedicated to providing sustainable and aesthetic landscape solutions.
Commercial services include exterior, interior and temporary solutions that have been designed and developed to meet the unique challenges that urban planners and garden designers face when looking to specify urban greening solutions. Our commercial products include green walls, living corporate logos and re-useable living hoarding.
For the new Kingwood boutique development, Treebox were responsible for installing a 100sqm living wall feature to the private courtyards and the hardwood trellis work that surrounds it. Other projects include iconic installations at the Rubens At The Palace and Middlesex University. Treebox have also delivered greening solutions to Crossrail, Tideways, Costain, TFL and Mace.
Armando Raish, Managing Director and Founder of Treebox, said:
“We were excited to be involved in the Kingswood project because it was an opportunity to demonstrate just how practical and effective living walls can be when delivered in the right location.
“We pride ourselves in having the ability and desire to work with our clients to deliver transforming urban greening solutions across the UK, and improve the environment where we live and work.”
