To find out more about the International Design and Architecture Awards 2013, please visit: www.design-et-al.co.uk

To enter the awards, please email: awards@design-et-al.co.uk

The Penthouse of Finchatton’s newest development, The Lansbury, Knightsbridge, has reached the shortlist for the Residential £10 million plus Award; a new category for the 2013 awards. The Lansbury is Finchatton’s newest development of six prestigious residences, including the Penthouse – a 3026 sq ft duplex apartment overlooking Harrods.

The Lansbury’s exterior reflects the existing architectural style and symmetry of its surroundings, while the interior offers an element of surprise. The Penthouse had to be deeply comfortable and luxurious. This was achieved by using layered, natural textures, subtle colour palettes and muted metals to create a welcoming sense of home. Bronze, alabaster and dimmed golds are used in place of glistening chrome.

High quality materials, such as silk, cashmere, wool and solid oak, add opulence without indulgence. Various marbles have been hand-sourced and either slipper matched or bookended to give the desired patterns. Sustainable sting-ray leather lines furniture, such as the desk in the master bedroom. Soft calf leather has been painstakingly hand-stitched onto the handrails of the feature stairwell as well as onto drawer fronts and handles.

 
Some of the interior design is influenced by the Art Deco movement for its classic yet glamorous styling. Furniture shapes reference the era but have been contemporised. Round back chairs are deep and lined in velvet with stud detailing. Dressing tables are more linear, while the sofas longer. Some objects are lacquered using a more modern, monochrome palette. Chandeliers and mirrors were designed to be reminiscent of jewellery items.

Overall, the Penthouse had to have its own distinct personality and colourway from other residences in The Lansbury. Many of the objects were hand sourced by the design team from various antique houses around the world specifically for The Penthouse, as was the fine art and sculptures which were selected as an integral part of the design process.

To view Finchatton’s website, click here.