Redesigning and redefining Victoria
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Kalkwarf Architects has unveiled a series of flagship projects in Victoria which have transformed the commercial property market in the area.
Led by Leon Kalkwarf and specialsing in luxury, high end residential & commercial development, Kalkwarf Architects boasts unparalleled knowledge of Victoria and is leading the charge to make the area a “destination venue” and not simply “somewhere to pass through.” The area around Victoria station was designated an ‘Opportunity Area’ in the Mayor’s London Plan and City of Westminster’s Local Development Framework Adopted Core Strategy of January 2011.
Leon Kalkwarf explained; “At 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens, we’ve transformed an otherwise unloved, almost derelict, Grade II listed building. The site now boasts a 23,000sq.ft, state of the art, office complex together with 3 luxury, residential apartments . Our client, Medici Asset Management recognised the opportunity and it’s been a priviledge to work with them on this splendid development.”
The building had been insensitively altered in the 1970s with the original stair removed from no 48, many steels inserted, roofs replaced with plant rooms and much of the original fabric removed. Kalkwarf modernised the building by replacing the single lift and 1970s rambling staircase with a new twin lift core and new stair core. The entrance to the commercial space was rationalized with both 46 and 48 leading into a common reception. An unused, dirty light well between the commercial building and residential mews to the rear was replaced with a striking glass roof to create additional usable internal space and bring quality light into the floors. The mews property to the rear of the building was extended to create three elegant contemporary apartments.
Having worked on and understood the adjacent building, Kalkwarf Architects undertook the challenge of restoring the Grade II listed building at 42-44 Grosvenor Gardens. In modernising the tired interior, the impractical cellular spaces were rationalized and ‘old and new’ elements were carefully juxtapositioned to dramatic effect. The period balustrading to the modern infill stair was removed with new balustrades recast from better examples. The staircase was used to create a feature backdrop behind the new glazed panels to the ground floor entrance area. The installation of large modern mirrors on each landing were used to link all floors, bringing more light and a sense of openness to the internal stair well.
Lastly at 38 Grosvenor Gardens Mews a set of unmodernised garages and a derelict first floor apartment were remodelled into a three floor contemporary mews house. A basement was introduced to increase square footage. By cutting back the ground floor level, direct natural light reaches the basement entertainment areas. A feature stairwell was added to connect all floors. The interior is contemporary and crisp with the use of dark wenge wood floors and feature joinery contrasting against the light flooring and glass panels.
Leon Kalkwarf concluded, “Over the last 10 years we have built an exceptional team of young, talented designers who are challenging the status quo in luxury residential and commercial development. These projects are excellent examples of that. We work for some truly inspired clients who are passionate about design and committed to achieving a quality product.”
