Clarges Mayfair

Clarges Mayfair is a landmark development for British Land, comprising residential apartments within a mixed-use development that includes workspace, restaurant and retail. 34 private residences overlook Green Park from a ten-storey building on Piccadilly, with a further 11 affordable apartments located on Clarges Street. The residential offering delivers 24% fully-adaptable affordable homes, while the development as a whole creates a sustainable mix of uses in a series of timeless buildings that are accessible and inclusive. Our approach focussed on creating a highly crafted residential destination as part of a family of new buildings that house the development’s different uses. Located in the heart of Mayfair’s Conservation Area, the design displays a refined and contemporary take on the established streetscape through materials and craftsmanship. Four distinct buildings address the client’s brief to create a cohesive development with an authentically Mayfair character, befitting of the Conservation Area setting. Whilst respecting the rhythm and scale of neighbouring buildings, the development forges its own identity through contemporary craftsmanship in Portland stone, patterned bronze and dark brick. Detail is introduced on hand-carved fluted columns and intricately pattered balconies that reference traditional Piccadil lace collars. Internally, Clarges Mayfair features classic materials including bronze, marble, plaster and porcelain, giving subtle nods to Mayfair’s past. A grand entrance hall features a quadruple height domed ceiling, with a light sculpture designed by Haberdashery. Details on the sweeping staircase balustrade echo traditional watch mechanisms. Interiors by Martin Kemp Design celebrate the best in British craftsmanship, with each apartment featuring a bespoke interiors concept. Throughout apartments and communal areas, materials include black onyx and Nettuno marbles, Tanganika timber and dark stained oak. Rich fabrics, including handwoven tufted carpets in wool and silk feature alongside nickel polished ironmongery, and art-deco inspired doors have embossed metal detailing that references the local street network of Mayfair. Continuing the tradition of Mayfair’s world-class craftsman and ateliers, a handpicked selection of British-based artists and artisans have created bespoke pieces for Clarges Mayfair. These include ‘tapestries’ of cast and gilded flowers by artist Sophie Coryndon, which draw inspiration from the development’s natural surroundings. Three striking decorative copper sculptures by designer-maker Yasemen Hussein are reminiscent of the Elizabethan lace ruffs from which Piccadilly acquired its name. Resident facilities include full lifestyle services, a private cinema room, state-of-the-art gym, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room. A wellness spa and fitness suite provide a luxurious spa experience within the comfort of residents own homes. The design draws on the traditional English spas of Harrogate, Bath and Cheltenham, with the barrel vaulted 25m swimming pool lined with colonnades and cloisters, and tiling features bespoke designs inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The residential site overlooking Green Park was subject to stringent constraints due to its prestigious setting on Piccadilly. The team sought to create the maximum benefit from the Rights of Light restrictions of the tight site by creating a series of terraces that step back at the upper levels. Ashburton Place, a new public mews, connects Clarges Street and Bolton Street and is the first new street in Mayfair for 15 years. The new route opens up the site, providing physical and visual permeability through it, whilst retail, restaurant and gallery-style reception spaces enliven the street frontages. Off-site prefabrication was used extensively in the construction of the development, including all structure, floor, cladding and service components. This ensured an efficient, coordinated delivery and construction programme, minimised personnel onsite and secured a consistently high quality of finish. The energy strategy for Clarges Mayfair followed the Mayor’s Energy Hierarchy, with investment in high-performance building fabric and energy efficient engineering systems, together with combined heating and power, ground source heat pumps and roof-mounted photovoltaics. A 45% improvement in carbon reduction over Building Regulations 2010 Part L was achieved. Clarges Mayfair responds to the grain and character of the area, opens up the site to create new public space, and provides an enlivened sense of place to a previously unsightly 1960s block. The development has a positive social, environmental and economic impact, and sets a new benchmark for residential spaces in Mayfair, bringing some of the finest homes to London with a crisp, timeless design that draws upon the historic context, each detail designed to embody Mayfair’s illustrious history.