Kensington Penthouse, London
David Chipperfield-designed One Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, occupies one of the most stunning and sought-after locations in London, within Chelsea’s De Vere Gardens Conservation Area and opposite Kensington Palace. The exclusive complex, comprising 97 high-quality residential units, was developed from the reorganisation of the existing nineteenth-century building together with the construction of three new ones - facing Kensington Road, Victoria Road, and Canning Passage respectively. The development also incorporates the façades of a row of nineteenth-century terraced houses along Victoria Road and De Vere Gardens.The penthouse apartment enjoys uninterrupted views across the palace gardens and the client, a keen art enthusiast, was looking to create a showcase for his extensive collection that would display the works of art in a home setting, both for his own personal enjoyment and that of his family and friends.Rigby and Rigby was brought in from the early design stages to provide full architectural support, including the management of all technical aspects of the project. The quality of the joinery was of particular interest to the client and so Rigby and Rigby’s specialist craftsmen replaced the apartment’s standard hardwood joinery with stunning, hand-crafted pieces.Working directly with the client Rigby and Rigby delivered the project on site and has been commended for its sensitivity in managing the logistics of the project in a fully occupied, high-end London apartment complex.Iain Johnson, Design Director for Rigby and Rigby, said: “For Rigby and Rigby, working on in a busy and prestigious apartment complex, with a tight project timeline, came with a particular set of logistical challenges – particularly ensuring the privacy and security of neighbouring high net-worth individuals.“The fact that we received such high praise for the considerate way that the Rigby and Rigby team worked on site is equally as important as knowing we have delivered a project that the client is delighted with. We were able to earn the respect of both the management company and other tenants which has now led to other appointments within this prestige, award-winning scheme.”