Formerly
CHT Architects

Studley Park in Kew is a treasure trove of post-war architecture, with a number of houses designed by Robin Boyd, John and Phyllis Murphy and Guilford Bell. Given this lineage of great architects, as well many fine period homes, it was appropriate to create a boutique-style development that would be nestled into this precious environ. For Life Architecture which worked closely with SORA Interiors, the 1,500 square-metre-site in Fellows Street, Kew, provided an opportunity to design house-sized top-end apartments.

Inspired by the post-war architectural legacy as much as the many solid brick period homes in the wide leafy streets, the architects created low-rise brick apartments, with bris-soleil or ‘hit-and-miss’ brickwork above the entrances of the two three-level buildings – including basement carparking. Comprising 10 spacious apartments separated into two buildings to further reduce the scale, Fellowship is nestled within lush gardens designed by Jack Merlo. Comprising two and three-bedroom apartments, varying in size from 120 to 250 square metres in area, the development also includes three penthouses (one being 400 square metres) with each of these accompanied by landscaped roofed gardens and swimming pools.

Conceived like a house, but with the benefit of being able to ‘lock up and leave’, these dwellings come with the hallmarks found in the family home many of the empty nesters have left behind – a well-defined lobby, in some cases two living areas and spacious open plan living spaces. The connection to the garden is also paramount, with the benefit of either private courtyard-style gardens, some with swimming pools, generous balconies and terraces and, in the case of the penthouse apartments, pools and rooftop gardens.

Great emphasis was placed on the construction and the detailing, with brick-lined soffits to create a sense of monumentality, in contrast to the soft Venetian-style plastered walls within. Natural materials are also an important feature of Fellowship, with oak parquetry floors in the kitchen and living areas and stone and marble in the bathrooms. Unlike traditional apartments, these come with features found in a home such as open fireplaces, butler’s kitchens and even cocktail cabinets and wine storage areas within reach of the kitchens. Rather than create faddish interiors, SORA opted for a soft earthy and neutral palette which allowed the owners to personalise with their things, including generous wall space for the display of art that’s been an important part of the family’s collection in the family homes left behind. Other items, such as customised walk-in dressing areas and large bathrooms with double vanities, are more akin to a luxurious hotel. And irrespective of where one is within the buildings there’s a strong connection to the garden – though large picture windows, sliding doors or the unique glass block walls diffusing the afternoon sunlight.

Location
Kew

Completion
2024

Description
20 luxury apartments

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