Sophie Ashby inspired by London's history

The living room at a unit in Sophie Ashby Collection. CREDIT FOCUS STUDIO PIC

By NST PROPERTY - May 23, 2019

MTD Group has unveiled the “Sophie Ashby Collection” at One Crown Place, its mixed-use development in central London, designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF).

The “Sophie Ashby Collection” — a combination of one- and three-bedroom apartments as well as three-bedroom duplexes — are inspired by the City of London’s history, with the interiors combining modern luxury with handcrafted tradition.

Its head of real estate and chief executive officer, Tee Kim Siew, said during the planning, Studio Ashby worked with KPF’s dynamic architecture style and floor plate to preserve the wide vistas, keeping the facade free of built-in joinery.

This has worked to strengthen the connection between the interior and exterior, he said in a statement.

“With stunning views over London, these exclusive apartments will form an integral part of our vision at One Crown Place, offering the highest standards in residential with top British design and creating a new lifestyle-led destination in the heart of the capital.”

The £500 million (RM2.7 billion) One Crown Place will deliver a total of 246 private apartments, including a fully-restored Georgian terrace which will be transformed into a 42-room luxury boutique hotel.

The hotel will feature a destination restaurant alongside private members’ club with exclusive access for residents.

The project will also feature a 140,000-sq-ft premium office space and 7,000-sq-ft retail units.

Global property firm CBRE was appointed by MTD Group in 2015 to act as development manager to sell the 246 apartments and lease 140,000-sq -ft commercial space.

Tee said the first residents would move into the completed development in early 2021.

Studio Ashby founder and creative director Sophie Ashby said One Crown Place would provide residents with a world-class suite of amenities designed by Studio Ashby to promote a shared sense of community, alongside more private spaces for downtime.

These include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, work hub, a private dining room, residential lounge, cinema room, treatment room, studio and a sensory-roof terrace.

Hong Kong-based Dara Huang, founder of luxury architecture and design practice, Design Haus Liberty, has been appointed to design the office and retail space at the development.

One Crown Place has additionally partnered with leading Italian brand, B&B Italia, for its 246 apartments and penthouses.

Meanwhile, KPF principal John Bushell said the vision for One Crown Place was to respect its context, using the buildings and materials of the past and evolve them into intricate and innovative design that would transform the area.

“We explored at great length the angles of the two towers to ensure the views across the London skyline are maximised for occupants. It is also designed to have a minimal impact on its surroundings, allowing as much natural light as possible to reach the public courtyard and streets below,” said Bushell.