Squire & Partners, Dixon Jones and landscape designer Kim Wilkie were selected by Qatari Diar to masterplan the former Chelsea Barracks site in 2009. The brief was to reconcile the density required to deliver a viable scheme with an aspiration to connect it seamlessly into the wider context, creating a new piece of the city rooted in Belgravia.
Taking inspiration from the formal Georgian squares of Belgravia, the residential buildings are positioned around a series of landscaped public routes and spaces, ensuring the development is accessible to the local community and evolves as a natural addition to Belgravia. Chelsea Barracks opens the site to the public for the first time in over 150 years, with 40% of the 12.8-acre site dedicated to seven traditional garden squares, creating permeable green space and walkways through the development.
Phase I, completed in 2019, was designed by Squire & Partners as a trio of highly crafted residential buildings, comprising 64 apartments and 3 duplex penthouses addressing Chelsea Bridge Road, Pimlico Road and the Royal Hospital.
Whilst being rooted in the heritage and context of the local area, the architectural language is distinctly contemporary. Building façades are characterised by smooth and textured variations of Portland Stone, fluted vertical columns, recessed bays and projecting balconies. Bespoke organic patterns designed for the external metalwork on balconies and penthouse screens were inspired by the history of productive gardens once prevalent in the area, as well as the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden, adding richness and complexity.
Last year more than 40 countries took part in the WAN Awards with strong showings from Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. And we saw some truly outstanding projects, take a look at the winners from last year here.