High above the ever-evolving skyline of Nine Elms, the London Square NINE ELMS penthouses presented a rare opportunity to craft something truly distinctive within one of the capital’s most competitive luxury markets.

Building on our existing work for the wider London Square Nine Elms scheme (apartment spec design and show home), we were invited to design the interior specification for three exceptional duplex homes, spaces that demanded their own identity while remaining rooted in the architectural language of the building. The result is a carefully considered design narrative that balances continuity with contrast, drawing on global influences to create interiors that feel both refined and effortlessly liveable.

“The main scheme already has a very strong aesthetic that heavily references
the vertical design language on the façade, so we didn’t want to throw that away.
We were also adamant that these penthouses were going to offer something different.
It would have been all too easy to lean into lashings of marble, mirror and walnut
but it felt like that was a missed opportunity when there was already so much of
that on offer in the area. Research showed our target audience was an incredibly
well-travelled, cosmopolitan crowd so we leant into this and took inspiration
from the sort of design language they’d recognise from top-end hotels,
restaurants and beach clubs around the world –
a restrained, warm, natural palette with lots of texture and raw finishes.”
Steven Pepper, Lead Designer for the project

PRINICPAL ENSUITE

The principal en suite was such a glorious space it ended up forming the basis of the entire specification. Working on floorplan optimisation allowed for statement freestanding basins and a large bath, taking advantage of the spectacular views across London.

The toilet and shower have then been tucked away in their own separate, generously sized cubicles with statement black metal, vertically reeded, glass doors. Tadelakt (a Moroccan polished plaster) adorns the walls in these two spaces and provides a gorgeous, warm, seamless finish that will be instantly familiar to the well-travelled target audience.

The feature vessel basins and bath are in a statement matt finish to give a warm, more restrained finish to the usual gloss white. VOLA taps in this space are a piece of design in their own right. Designed by Arne Jacobsen for the National Bank of Denmark in 1968, the design has remained largely unchanged for close to 60 years. Their soft, matt black finish is then taken throughout the rest of the apartment for all metal finishes to ensure a consistent design language.

STAIRCASE AND GENERAL SPECIFICATION

The matt white of the sanitaryware, the matt black of the brassware and the sandy tones in the Tadelakt and polished plaster-effect porcelain set a tone for the rest of the penthouse specification with the addition of raw oak and a statement porcelain stone-effect slab through the other areas in the penthouses.

These finishes sit incredibly well with the building’s façade but allowed us to create something that felt very different to the rest of the apartments in the scheme. This is hammered home when you step through the front door. A matt, light oak chevron floor draws the eyes to the principal bedroom door in the distance. Over-height oak doors with matching architraves have been commissioned to match the floor.

As impressive as these elements are, the big statement in this space is the bespoke oak staircase. This is without doubt a piece of art in its own right and has been beautifully built by the manufacturers; the quality is palpable. Matt black metal spindles reference the vertical design language we were intent on keeping and a statement, vertical lighting feature has been created using a series of pendant lights hanging at lengths perfectly matching the line of the handrail below.

KITCHEN

The stairs rise to a vast open-plan reception space with extraordinary, wrap around views out across the wider area. The oak flooring continues throughout the whole space tying the two floors together. Bar the pretty breathtaking views, the standout in this space is a statement kitchen with huge walk-in pantry behind black, metal glazed doors. The main kitchen is a washed oak finish providing a subtle contrast with the flooring. A large island creates a focal point with its striking worktop constructed from a single slab of porcelain complete with matching sides.

PANTRY

The pantry continues the theme only this time the oak is in the same raw finish as the floors, staircase and doors. It is used for the units and clads the wall right up to the ceiling giving a real feeling of warmth and craftmanship.

PARLOUR AND BAR

The same black, glazed doors with vertically reeded glass open into a parlour complete with a huge built-in bar that ties in with the kitchen. Built in wine fridges and an integrated drawer that turns from a fridge to a freezer at the touch of the button, ensures this space is all set for hosting some suitably epic parties.

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM DRESSING ROOM

The walk-in dressing room in the principal suite is a bit of a showstopper! A bespoke, hand-crafted space with oak lining all the walls and floor, and a multitude of shelves, drawers and hanging.

GUEST BEDROOMS

The same attention to detail has been paid to the bespoke oak cabinetry through the guest bedroom suites.

And the two guest ensuites continue the design language with polished plaster-effect porcelain tiles and the same feature porcelain sheets used in the kitchen.

“We pride ourselves on attention to detail, it’s one of the key words we use to describe
our specification service. These penthouses demonstrate that better than any words on a website ever could. We absolutely loved designing them; seeing them finished was even better!”
Steven Pepper, Lead Designer for the project

MORE PHOTOGRAPHY OF NINE ELMS PENTHOUSES

VIEW NINE ELMS APARTMENT SPEC

VIEW NINE ELMS SHOW HOME