The Lucan Chelsea, Southwest London property, UK capital residnetial, Apartment building renders
The Lucan in Chelsea, London
17 April 2024
Renewal design: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
Location: Chelsea, Southwest London, England, UK
The first standalone Autograph Collection branded residences in the UK.
The Lucan Building, England
For centuries, these quintessential Chelsea buildings have defined neighbourhood’s character, but today, a new generation is embracing the modern reinterpretation of the classic mansion block for the ultimate 21st century living experience.
Leading this charge is The Lucan, the UK’s first standalone Autograph Collection branded residences, a boutique development inspired by the rich character of Chelsea, echoing the neighbourhood’s iconic Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Designed by esteemed architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), known for their work on globally recognised buildings including Abu Dhabi International Airport, One Vanderbilt Avenue, New York and Shanghai World Financial Centre, the contemporary style and thoughtful craftsmanship at The Lucan will define the best-in-class living experience offered to its residents.
Below, I’ve outlined how KPF has meticulously crafted The Lucan’s façade, 31 apartments, and surrounding public areas, integrating elements of Chelsea’s iconic mansion block architecture at every opportunity.
Design Features
Façade
• Subtle horizontal bands play homage to the neighbouring Chelsea mansion blocks, whilst projecting bay windows and chamfered corners offer a refreshing departure from the more uniform architecture of the historic buildings in the neighbourhood.
• Meticulously crafted terracotta profiles evoke the detailing of the former Police station which once occupied the site, paying homage to local architectural motifs found in the likes of the nearby Grade II listed Michelin House.
• The entrances are clearly defined through articulation and detailing, with local artist Jodie Carey commissioned to create contextual public art to frame the main entrances.
Apartments
• The layout of the apartments has been arranged to maximise dual and triple aspect apartments, optimising the abundance of natural day light.
• Contemporary bay windows on the chamfered corners enhance the living spaces of the apartments.
Public Realm
• The two-story ‘civic base’ on the lower levels of the building is designed to foster human connection and interaction, complemented by vibrant coloured terracotta and elegantly framed windows.
• Individually cast tiles at the main entrances, form a patchwork effect that symbolises ‘community’ through the coming together of different people, cultures, and ideas.
KPF comments
Pamela Wackett, Director at KPF, comments:
“The Lucan is a timeless reinvention of a mid-scale mansion residence that positively transforms the surroundings of this area in Chelsea. With sensitivity towards its historical past and local needs, the design evokes a sense of belonging.”
John Bushell, Design Principal at KPF, comments:
“Inspired by the historic mansion blocks in the surrounding area, the design of The Lucan evolved in close collaboration with our client, Gulf Islamic Investment, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Adopting a holistic approach to contemporary, contextual, mixed-use development in a dense urban location, we have reimagined the mansion block precedent to create outstanding contemporary apartments in a building that is an asset to the wider neighbourhood.”
The Lucan Building, Chelsea, London images / information received 170424 from KPF
Architects: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates – https://www.kpf.com/
Location: Chelsea, south west London, England, UK
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