Location: No.1 Kingsway, London
Client: UKI (Kingsway Ltd)
Crown House No.1 Kingsway, lies adjacent to Covent Garden & Holborn, & is within the Covent Garden Conservation Area. The original buildings form part of the historic Kingsway axis, one of the few 19th century boulevards constructed in London. It is a mixed development of 8 floors of modern open plan office accommodation, street level retail units & 7 high quality duplex apartments at roof level, which have their own landscaped courtyard.
The courtyard, as a space is the initial point of contact and marks the first impressions. It is indicative of the predominant design style and emphasises the distinguished quality of the residences in this part of Central London. Various elements are used to break the hardness of the open space and greenery is used to add a soft touch to the landscape. The courtyard as an element, becomes a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle-bustle of the city. Use of glass facades to link the units to the courtyard permits a connection between the inside and the outside.