Knighton Place

Smooth and textured sandstone clads a residential project in London by Squire & Partners

Photos
James Balston

Designed by Squire & Partners, Knighton Place is a new-build housing development on Yeoman’s Row in Knightsbridge, London. The four-storey scheme is intended to evoke the craft and artistry of neighbouring Victorian houses through subtle design variations between residences, and the use of sandstone as the primary facade material.

Two types of sandstone were specified: a Cove Red quarried in Scotland and employed in both smooth and textured finishes; and a pale grey Dunhouse Blue, quarried in Lancashire and used for the window and entrance reveals. “Cove Red was chosen for its tonal warmth and distinctive markings”, explains the architect. “The striking rough texture was created by hand-tooling a broached finish. This contrasts with the smooth Dunhouse Blue and provides visual depth and variety across the facade. Precise CNC detailing to the parapet course adds a further layer of richness.”

Bespoke projecting and recessed windows provide additional surface articulation and help to distinguish the individual residential units. The dark bronze-coloured anodised trims are CNC machined from solid aluminium, with tapered profiles and drip rebates. All fixings are concealed and finished to match the metalwork.

Distinctive floor grilles, which are located within the courtyard gardens to the rear and provide ventilation to the lower floors, are made from individually welded and powder-coated steel plates. Adopting a geometric pattern based on the fretwork used inside the houses, the bespoke metalwork is intended to create a cohesive language between the inside and outside.

Ground-level railings makes reference to local metalwork. Traditional ornate finials have been exchanged for a simple tapered head profile that is more in keeping with the aesthetics of the scheme.