This five-storey listed townhouse in the heart of Knightsbridge has been transformed by multidisciplinary design studio Own London with two identical primary suites to ensure parity for the co-owners – two brothers – and their respective families. The ambitious project called for an imaginative and meticulous approach from the team, in order to preserve the building’s heritage and grandeur while reimagining it for modern living.
Own London’s associate director of architecture, David Hartley, says: ‘The building boasts soaring ceilings and exquisitely proportioned original windows. From the moment we laid eyes on it, we recognised its immense potential to be transformed into a beautiful family residence.’ Alicia Meireles, creative director at Own London adds, ‘The clients, originally from the Middle East, envisioned this as their London home, a space where tradition and modernity could coexist.’
They started by focusing on how each floor could best serve its intended use, allowing the original architecture to guide their decisions. ‘Features such as the intricate cornicing in the front lobby were not just preserved but celebrated,’ David says, ‘becoming focal points around which the surrounding spaces were carefully composed. In doing so, we created a dialogue between old and new.’
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The ground floor is now the central hub of the home, with an open plan layout that supports daily family life as well as formal gatherings. A dumbwaiter provides a discreet link to the kitchen in the lower-ground floor, which is also home to a playful breakfast and lounge area for the children with breakfast nook banquette seating, staff quarters, utility rooms and a sophisticated guest powder room with reeded marble detailing.
The children’s third-floor bedrooms were designed for maximum flexibility and space efficiency, with clever custom joinery allowing a small double bed to pull out from beneath a standard double, helping to free up floor space. Two identical primary suites were created for the brothers on the first and second floors, each with a bathroom, dressing area (one clad in antique mirrors, and the other in suede panelling) and a private terrace.
When it came to developing the interior schemes, the goal was to inject a sense of contemporary living, while simultaneously honouring the character of the classical London townhouse. ‘The design began with a neutral foundation, allowing for the introduction of materials that brought depth and texture without overwhelming the space,’ explains Alicia.
On the ground floor, they opted for cross-cut travertine, its gentle, cloud-like movement, offering a softer, more nuanced alternative to the linear patterning of the more commonly used vein-cut variety. Rich amber and mustard upholstery brought a layer of warmth, while accents of blackened brass gave a contemporary edge.
The calm, sophisticated palette is ‘a reflection of the client’s personalities’, with touches of green a nod to their favourite colour. Unexpected details such as the playful-yet-polished technicolour mix of marble mosaic flooring are Own London’s answer to their client’s love of subtle surprises.
Collaborating with international clients always brings challenges, not least the distance that can so easily disrupt clarity and momentum, but in this case, David says, it became an opportunity rather than a hurdle. ‘At the heart of our process was a deep respect for the building’s heritage.’
Alice adds that while the clients were involved throughout the project, ‘there remained a quiet sense of anticipation until the final reveal. When they returned to the property after months of planning, their reaction was one of sheer delight. Some of the finer details only fully reveal themselves as natural light pours in, casting shadows, highlighting textures, and accentuating the proportions and features.’
The family room opens out onto a show-stopping courtyard oasis, enclosed with historic brick arches inlaid with lofty antique mirrors. A striking new staircase that connects the upper and lower levels. Completely secluded and perfect for entertaining, this is a rare and precious sanctuary in the heart of the city. ownlondon.co.uk
