The previous Belgravia Telephone Exchange site has been entirely redeveloped by Foster + Partners for Candy and Candy to offer a state-of-the-art residential building in the heart of one of London’s most important conservation areas. The development brings the concept of lateral living to a city characterised by its vertically accented architecture, creating a contemporary interpretation of an historic setting. Combining Foster + Partners’ expertise in creating landmark buildings, with Candy and Candy’s renowned luxurious interiors; the scheme presents an unprecedented partnership for a residential building in London.

The exterior provides a modern counterpart to its elegant Victorian surroundings. Stone forms the discrete façade of the building, giving expression to the recessed glazed cladding. This outer stone façade provides vertical emphasis in keeping with the neighbouring townhouses and provides shading to the glazed horizontal layer behind. Framed screens of vertical rods provide a contemporary solution to privacy and further shade the apartments, while echoing the timber shutters on windows of the adjacent buildings. The central bay at the rear of the building is dramatically pulled out in a sloping element of inclined glass panels, allowing light to flood the apartments and decreasing the visibility of the development to the rear.

The development offers six large apartments, ranging in size from 419 to 735 square metres, each with a large terrace or balcony and views over a landscaped garden square. The building is served by advanced security systems and features underground parking accessed by a car lift and hidden behind white glass doors, providing unexpected comfort in a restricted area. Residents also benefit from the highest specification apartments with direct access lifts; a complete smart system; under-floor heating and comfort cooling systems; and individual leisure complexes, complete with swimming pools to two apartments. The immaculate communal areas are also designed for comfort and elegance. Each is individually designed, with a refined palette that reflects the unique detailing of the building’s architecture.