Wed, Jul 13, 2016


Real Estate & Property
Galliard Homes unveil London’s largest “Winter Garden”


Galliard Homes, London's largest privately owned developer, has unveiled the completed, Rabih Hage designed show apartment at the group's refurbished early 20th century warehouse project, Carlow House in Camden. 

The completion of this eclectic and colourful first apartment is well timed, and ties in with the opening of the building's central atrium, which is an ode to green living and is a vast communal centre piece, London's largest "winter garden".

Situated on Carlow Street on a 0.48 acre site, with heritage dating back to 1886, Carlow House is a landmark 47,941 sq ft (4,453.9 sq m) development, which has seen exemplary sales to date, with only 22 remaining apartments of the conceived 85. Apartments include suites and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, starting at £699,999 ($918,910).

Carlow House, in the centre of fashionable and bohemian Camden is London's answer to the Manhattan loft, and sees award-winning designer Rabih Hage usher in a new and refreshing era to this standout 1930's warehouse, formerly the railway ticket exchange and supplies warehouse of the London Passenger Transport Board (the London Underground). Orchestrated by Hage, the building, and its unique atrium - the largest in any London housing project - features bespoke, sleek and contemporary fittings and fixtures, which coupled with a bright and distinctive colour pallet make this latest Galliard Homes undertaking rich in character and a refreshing new addition to the neighbourhood.

David Galman, Sales Director for Galliard Homes commented: “The sales to-date at Carlow House are testament to the character of this building and its unique situation on the door-step of fashionable Camden. Through the incorporation of the large atrium, we’ve created a slice of calm and greenery in the heart of the metropolis. It is an unexpected ‘wow factor’ and coupled with the bespoke approach Rabih has taken to the design, Galliard Homes has presented a refreshing, contemporary offering and introduced a polished loft concept rarely seen at this calibre outside of Manhattan. With its grand 1930’s Art Deco façade and main atrium, which basks in natural light throughout the day, we believe it to be a sensitive renovation project done well,” says the developer.

The imposing atrium, which features an entirely glass roof, rises from the ground floor to the fourth, with large windows, galleried landings and gangways, glazed internal balconies and strategically placed planters.

Overflowing with foliage and exotics plants and palms, the greenery takes the form of trees planted in balcony style window boxes and evokes a sense of a "floating forest". At the ground level the garden space - accessible for all residents - boasts paved pathways and seating areas, creating a chic and unexpected oasis in the heart of North London.

Inspired by the buildings pedigree, little touches and signifiers to its former life as an important cog in the foundation of the London Underground, as we know it today, and also initially as a bakery in the 1800s, can be seen throughout the project. From the striking and light foyer entrance, to the classic warehouse features and finishes introduced throughout.

Hage’s distinctive 'Roughluxe' style means the materials used are both rough and luxurious; with bold, expensive finishes combined to evoke a feeling of a property that is simultaneously raw and polished.

Most notably this can be seen in the project's show apartment, which boasts statement artwork, a bold and multi-coloured colour scheme and state of the art appliances and finishes, which juxtapose the round soft curvature of the furnishings, and create a vibrant living space.

The entrance hallway to the show apartment has a gallery style feel with a large naïve canvas on the wall, immediately evoking a feeling of fun and light-heartedness, with a complementing statement wooden bench below, and modern sculpture positioned on an elevated display.

Directly accessed through the hallway is the kitchen and reception area. The fully fitted kitchen consists of dark grey units complete with low energy under lighting, and stone grey worktops with stainless steel sink area, all further reinforcing the creative ‘Roughluxe’ Rabih Hage design. The integrated appliances by SMEG includes an in -built oven and microwave, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. Beside this is a café style breakfast bar with stools, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed Sunday morning.

The reception area injects vibrancy into the room with its eye-catching artwork and furnishings, which are set against light hardwood floors, and brick and stone effect walls.

Adjacent to this is a burnt orange two-seater sofa with a trio of coffee tables in alternating sizes, camouflage rug, and desk area with 60’s inspired oval seating.

The interiors used within this section of the apartment have been themed on the colours used to identify the various lines of the London Underground tube line, with the brick and stone backdrop and bespoke boxed light signifying its warehouse past.

The master bedroom comes with statement headboard featuring dropdown cushions and his/her bedside tables. Opposite this is a shelving unit and the separate wall-mounted metallic radiator which has been placed throughout the apartments to further enhance its loft style finish. There are integrated wardrobes to the left of the space, and a large window to the right.

Beside this is the bathroom suite, which has been tiled in a high gloss white brick effect, offering steel bath with frameless shower enclosure, and period style feature basin with chrome bright-work. Above the basin area is an inlayed mirror fronted medicine cabinet with feature lighting, and opposite is a chrome plated heated towel rail.

Carlow House is accessed through an opulent entrance foyer with high-coffered ceiling, industrial inspired light fittings and fixtures, exposed brickwork and retained warehouse features. The foyer contains the daytime concierge and gives access to the high-speed lifts and stairwell that reach to each floor of the development.

Camden High Street is positioned east of the building, providing an array of shops, restaurants and bars, and is home to the internationally renowned Camden Market. To the west is Regents Park, which is around an 8-minute walk from the development.

Carlow House is located within walking distance of Mornington Crescent and Camden Town (Northern Line), with Kings Cross International (Eurostar and Thameslink), St Pancras and Euston stations just moments away. Primrose Hill, with its famous vista, cafes and restaurants is also just 10 minutes on foot.





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