''Sited in a conservation area and neighbouring a pair of large semi­-detached late 19th century residential blocks, the Clapham apartment building plays on its sensitive context in a witty reinterpretation of the mansion type.

 

The facade bows out in a generous curve, extending the bay-window forms of the adjoining buildings to the full width of its frontage. It rises five storeys (plus a basement level) to meet the precise height of its neighbours, whose dentilled cornices are mimicked in a protruding frieze.

 

A grand, double-height portico, regally flanked by a pair of semi-dwarf cypress trees, extends to the second floor to support a balcony, while a flagpole light fitting projects outwards above the entrance. Completing the embassy look, a fire alarm is mischievously disguised as a heraldic coat of arms.

 

The lift and staircase are housed at the very front of the building, leading to nine apartments paired over the six storeys, including a penthouse floor within a curved metal roof. A corridor runs from the entrance lobby at ground floor level, through to the rear of the building and the large rear communal garden''.                                                      BD online, 26th July, 2011

 

When the notorious credit crunch hit the property market in August 2008, the building works were put on hold and resumed in late 2009 under a new partnership, resulting in some features being abandoned.

 

Client: Michael Gold and Padraic O'Sullivan

Architects: Michael Gold Architects

Contractor: Redmade Ltd