Palatial homes by royal appointment

Project: Lancer Square

Award: Residential, Silver, 2022

Location: London, UK

Architect: Squire & Partners

Client: Chesington Investments Ltd

Lancer Square’s lofty past as part of the original grounds of Kensington Palace, and later as the Kensington Barracks for the Royal Lancers, provides the design inspiration for this scheme of over 50, one to four-bedroom apartments. Also featuring shops, cafes and offices set around a landscaped public courtyard, it offers a contemporary interpretation of the architectural character found within the Kensington Palace Conservation Area. 
On-site affordable housing takes the form of a mews-like terrace and includes ten apartments and four duplex apartments. The new public courtyard, which takes influences from the palace’s courtyards, orangery and sunken garden is visible from Kensington Church Street and continues the tradition of west London garden squares. Resident amenities include communal spa facilities which surround a swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym and treatment rooms.

Design highlights

The textured two-tone brick façades and vertical window proportions take inspiration from Kensington Palace. As do the grand interiors, featuring a rich palette of warm and luxurious materials. Penthouses offer an extra level of craftsmanship, with inlaid joinery, fireplaces, a feature stair and continuous terraces around every side that celebrate the views and flow of spaces from inside to out. The main residential reception features a coffered ceiling which amplifies the height of the space. The grandeur of the palace is referenced with a gold leaf finish inspired by its ornate painted ceilings. 

Photo credit: Jack Hobhouse