A set of crystalline pavilions tops the latest offering by Derwent London and DSDHA

British developers Derwent London are known for their distinct design-led approach in office and commercial spaces. The Corner House on London's Charlotte Street is one of their first boutique residential blocks to complete.
Designed by London based architecture practice DSDHA, led by Deborah Saunt and Davis Hills, the 15,500 sq ft brick clad new-build project stands on a corner spot, elegantly echoing the volumes of the brick houses that formerly occupied the plot.
'The form, articulation and material layering of the facades aims to restore specificity and a sense of place, at a time when modernity seems intent on the generic and the universal', says Saunt. 'The elevations also hint at hidden areas of the building above, inviting enquiry, where the upper level of windows shift away from the orthogonal to allude to the roof top pavilions above.'
The architects 'aimed to create a dialogue with the wider context of the city', continues the team. Featuring dark Petersen bricks and lined with Dinesen oak flooring, the six-storey structure features carefully thought craft-based details - from the metal, generous central staircase balustrade, to the façade's decorative metal grilles.
Two 'crystalline pavilions', which host the development's generous penthouse, top the structure. Featuring high ceilings, long views of the central London skyline, decked terraces and unexpected openings that bring plenty of sunlight in, the penthouse includes two bedrooms, ample living space and an added space that can act as guest room, library or gym. Set back from the building's edges, this space is almost hidden from the street.
'We loved discovering the potential of this expansive rooftop to be a place to live and play, and also very importantly to offer a new fifth elevation to the wider world, one that is almost hidden from the city at ground level', adds Saunt.
The eleven units below - nine private and two affordable - range from one to three bedroom apartments of different sizes - all equipped with large windows and similar attention to detail. Commercial units occupy the ground floor level.
The brick clad building is topped by two crystalline pavillions, which crown the scheme’s impressive penthouse
The penthouse space spans different levels and features dramatic angled roofs and openings
The generous unit’s unexpected openings ensure plenty of natural light inside and onto the Dinesen lined floors and clean white walls
It also features outdoors areas, such as a couple of decked terraces with long views across the central London skyline
Below, eleven units - nine private and two affordable - complete the building, whose ground level also has some space for commercial occupiers
INFORMATION
For more information on DSDHA visit the website
Photography: Christoffer Rudquist
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti
-
A new London house delights in robust brutalist detailing and diffused light
London's House in a Walled Garden by Henley Halebrown was designed to dovetail in its historic context
By Jonathan Bell
-
A Sussex beach house boldly reimagines its seaside typology
A bold and uncompromising Sussex beach house reconfigures the vernacular to maximise coastal views but maintain privacy
By Jonathan Bell
-
This 19th-century Hampstead house has a raw concrete staircase at its heart
This Hampstead house, designed by Pinzauer and titled Maresfield Gardens, is a London home blending new design and traditional details
By Tianna Williams
-
An octogenarian’s north London home is bold with utilitarian authenticity
Woodbury residence is a north London home by Of Architecture, inspired by 20th-century design and rooted in functionality
By Tianna Williams
-
What is DeafSpace and how can it enhance architecture for everyone?
DeafSpace learnings can help create profoundly sense-centric architecture; why shouldn't groundbreaking designs also be inclusive?
By Teshome Douglas-Campbell
-
The dream of the flat-pack home continues with this elegant modular cabin design from Koto
The Niwa modular cabin series by UK-based Koto architects offers a range of elegant retreats, designed for easy installation and a variety of uses
By Jonathan Bell
-
Are Derwent London's new lounges the future of workspace?
Property developer Derwent London’s new lounges – created for tenants of its offices – work harder to promote community and connection for their users
By Emily Wright
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in Oxford
The Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
By Shawn Adams