Published on : Thursday, January 9, 2014
Architectural design practice MoreySmith has converted two, dilapidated offices into three luxurious apartments and a penthouse site over three levels.
The three apartments and one penthouse at 46 St. James’s Place, located in London’s most exclusive residential enclave for owner Lana De Savary, are a contemporary mix of original features and modern additions. Leaving the exterior untouched, the project involved a complete strip back to the building’s shell, removing all the floors, exposing the staircases and replacing the windows; MoreySmith has creatively navigated the change in levels between the two buildings.
Visitors are met by elegant luxury on entering the building through the high-gloss lacquer door furnished with a contemporary nickel doorknob, reminiscent of the entrance to 10 Downing Street. The entrance hall space is enhanced by a brass and glass lens chandelier, which splays light onto the silver horsehair panels that line the residents’ route to their homes.
Attention to detail is apparent throughout the building, in communal areas and behind closed doors. For instance, the handrails and door handles throughout are enveloped in tactile leather with cricket ball stitching and the original lift shaft, servicing the original offices, has been modernised and restored.
MoreySmith’s space-enhancing design ensures each home has an open living space with fantastic views down St. James’s Place. Each dwelling houses an elegant kitchen, fitted out with Gaggenau appliances and bathrooms installed with Alape bathtubs and Dornbracht fittings. Parquet timber floors are laid in a contemporary herringbone pattern throughout.
MoreySmith has introduced natural light wherever possible, complemented by hand crafted lamps. Light diffusing glass doors allow light from master bedroom skylights to enter the ‘his and her’ bathrooms further reflected by the hand-guilded silver ceilings and textured wall tiles. Each apartment has access to a back balcony.
A dramatic penthouse crowns the building. Spread generously over three floors, the large living area and three spacious bedrooms are enhanced by a sky lounge roof terrace with bar and dining space overlooking Green Park, St. James’s Square and St. James’s Park.
Tags: Alape bathtubs and Dornbracht fittings, Gaggenau, MoreySmith, penthouse
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