Forme UK has completed design and fit out of Cheval Three Quays, a luxury serviced apartment building for Cheval Residences on one of London's most prominent riverside sites.
Unparalleled views of the river Thames, the Tower of London and City Hall provide the inspiration for the new nine storey building designed by 3DReid and for the light filled interior designed by Forme UK.
The development comprises 159 studio, one bed, two bed, three bed and penthouse serviced apartments for short or long term rental. On the ground floor is a main lobby reception, administrative and back of house offices, a marketing suite and gym. Two penthouses overlook the Tower of London.
Forme UK and 3DReid have produced a building which has exceptional openness towards the river from both the interior and exterior. Externally the building faces the river in a long curve around a sculptural pool designed by artist William Pye, while retaining an appropriately civic feel by using a restrained palette of natural materials.
"We're extremely impressed with the innovative work behind Cheval Three Quays by both 3DReid and Forme UK," commented George Westwell, Cheval Residences Director. "Every detail has been carefully considered to make sure the property meets the luxury standards synonymous with Cheval Residences. Spectacular views of the River Thames, The Shard, the Tower of London and City Hall are displayed through cutting edge floor to ceiling windows and the interior design of each stylish apartment has been imaginatively created with guests' needs in mind."
Internally Cheval Three Quays makes the most of the views, the daylight and the river to present apartments that come alive with ever-changing reflections from the river, and the mellow play of light against the centuries old stone of the Tower of London. The articulation of the glazing and balconies enables the occupants of the apartment to interact as much as possible with the surrounding environment and enjoy the different times of day, the extraordinary vistas and the changing seasons.
"Our concept was openness, appropriate scale and quiet luxury," stated Edward Price, Director of Forme UK. "Our inspiration was the building's extraordinary location. We set out to produce interiors of exceptional lightness, provide outstanding comfort and flexibility, and jaw dropping views. It was an extraordinary commission."
Forme UK has made the natural and historic environment the star of the show, with individually planned room layouts for the complex shaped building that minimise obstructions and maximise views. Almost every door opens onto a river panorama and every apartment is in some way unique.
Shimmering textured wallpaper reflects the light, sliding doors provide privacy when needed, the window façade in each apartment is different, and every kitchen varies in layout to suit each apartment. The interconnecting apartments have sliding mirrored doors which closes each apartment off from one another.
Huge black and white photographs next to each apartment entrance show what the view from that apartment would have been in an earlier era. The 2 x 1.3 meters photographs also hide the corridor service cupboards and give the feeling of a gallery. The long corridors are further relieved by grand entrances to each apartment. These comprise substantial door portals which alternate between lacquer and wood veneer. They provide individuality, and privacy that is further heightened by clever cupboards, only accessed from the corridor, which allow housekeeping to remove bins and deliver papers without needing to access any private space.
The two, two bedroom penthouses can be quickly combined into one spectacular four bedroom penthouse by means of sliding doors. The penthouses have clerestory windows to maximise the views and dramatic chandeliers are suspended from bespoke voile frames from the high ceilings for the ultimate feeling of luxury.
The lobby continues the themes of history, nature and luxury. Hand painted murals by Barnaby Gorton depict life on a medieval wharf merging into the water features below that create the sound of running water. Cream coloured stone mosaics are used on floor and columns to allude to the site's Roman heritage. In order to present a unique character and a high level of luxury, Forme UK ensured that the lobby features were designed exclusively for Cheval Three Quays. These include a reception desk clad in burnt orange leather with a black granite top, a striking glass chandelier and an over-sized Kappa Lambda rug with a fluid pattern inspired by the river. Sophistication is provided by classic leather armchairs, and textured Armourcoat polished plaster walls and Tektura wall coverings.
Forme UK have fused British and European influences with elegant Lyndon sofas and chairs, and bespoke leather headboards. Dada kitchens, renowned for their design, blend into the lounge areas to create stylish living areas. Opaque glass is judiciously used where needed to retain line and create privacy. Bathrooms are luxuriously minimalist.