Situated in London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, The Lucan is a high-quality, mixed-use development that combines residential, social and community uses. The eight-storey building respects its local context through its scale, massing and materiality, to meet a range of local needs and improve the public realm.
A two-story ‘civic base’ marks the social and community use at the lower levels, informing the overall design. Above, the articulation of the residential facades contrasts with neighboring 1930’s residential mansion blocks, recalling typologies and utilizing a palette of high-quality materials informed by historic precedent and the wider Chelsea townscape. The selection of different bricks relates to the immediate and wider context. Restrained horizontal bands refer to the neighboring mansions, whilst strong compositional elements, such as projecting bay windows, offer a break from the more rigid repetition of surrounding blocks. Chamfered corners and set backs at the upper levels soften the experience at street level. The scheme comprises an efficient mix of new homes, plus social community space on the ground and lower-ground floor, designed for nursery and educational use.
Bespoke artworks have been incorporated into the façade to define an archway above each of the three entrances of the site. Created by local artist Jodie Carey, the pieces were inspired by history of textiles, fabric and patchworking and bring together past and present; to reflect both the historical occupants of the area and the residents of The Lucan.
