50 Oakley Square offers this rare treat of a combination - a slice of minimalist architecture and residential calm, while set within one of London's most popular corners. The scheme, designed by Echlin and set near Mornington Crescent in Camden, is a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the nearby market but has been designed to feel anything but - drawing on some cool design tools (soundproofing, natural light, orientation and the right materials) to craft a haven of serenity for its residents and guests.
Inside 50 Oakley Square, Camden
50 Oakley Square stands out for one further reason. Created as a rooftop extension, the project is the creative refresh of an existing, modernist architecture-inspired 1980s building. By renovating the original building's communal areas (and discretely elevating it for all tenants - old and new) and adding an extra eight rooftop and penthouse apartments at its crown, this is an imaginative residential typology.
The one- and two-bedroom apartments in the new addition look over the charming Camden rooftops, offering London skyline vistas. At the same time, corridors, stairwells and the entrance have been given a facelift, not only creating a warm and contemporary environment (that stays true to the building's original character) but also bringing these spaces to the 21st century in terms of accessibility and facilities' requirements.
Meanwhile, inside the homes, a Nordic sensibility matched with British craftsmanship prevail, bringing together natural materials and light colour tones to craft spaces that feel peaceful and welcoming.
The kitchens, for instance, feature terrazzo worktops from Caesarstone and fully integrated Siemens appliances. Bathroom combine porcelain, mosaic and cement tiles from London-based Claybrook Studio and Bert & May for a tactile, seamless feel.
Echlin co-founder Mark O'Callaghan said: 'After a few years discussing this scheme with the local council, we feel we have now achieved a great collection of new apartments that will benefit the residents and the nearby communities through the provision of additional housing and bringing a new lease of life to this corner of Mornington Crescent.'
'It has been a great pleasure to see the airspace turn from a gravel-topped flat-roof in need of repair into a spectacularly light-filled and airy yet warm set of penthouse and sub-penthouse apartments.'
Bridging architecture, interior design and development, Echlin is a London studio that specialises in residential work - both single family homes and multi-family housing, all across the capital. Past examples of their work include Kenure House and the penthouse at Rathbone Square.
-
Milan Design Week 2025: step inside this Brera Design Apartment before the crowdsThis Brera apartment, an interiors showcase custom-designed by studio Zanellato/Bortotto, speaks to Italy’s rich creative heritage and the duo’s own travels. Sneak a peek
-
Johanna Parv’s ‘engineered formalwear’ is made for the woman on the movePart of our monthly series ‘Uprising’, Wallpaper* meets Johanna Parv, the London-based designer whose stealthily beautiful clothes are designed to take women from boardroom to dinner by way of the bike lane
-
Pretty in pink: Mumbai's new residential tower shakes up the cityscape'Satguru’s Rendezvous' in Mumbai houses luxury apartments behind its elegant fluted concrete skin. We take a tour.
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in OxfordThe Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodellingNorth Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its gardenArchitects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional spaceA multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st CenturyThanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
-
Manchester United and Foster + Partners to build a new stadium: ‘Arguably the largest public space in the world’The football club will spend £2 billion on the ambitious project, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described as the ‘world's greatest football stadium’
-
An architect’s own home offers a refined and leafy retreat from its East London surroundingsStudioshaw has completed a courtyard house in amongst a cluster of traditional terraced houses, harnessing the sun and plenty of greenery to bolster privacy and warmth
-
The museum of the future: how architects are redefining cultural landmarksWhat does the museum of the future look like? As art evolves, so do the spaces that house it – pushing architects to rethink form and function
