Valouran launches in the global property scene in search of timeless elegance
Alex Michelin and Matthew Robertson launch Valouran, a pioneering global property expert, set to lead by design

Valouran, a new, global expert in the field of property and placemaking, has just launched in London today (13 June 2023). The brainchild of Alex Michelin, co-founder of Finchatton, and Matthew Robertson, former CFO, Valouran is set to be a new force in the UK's (and international) real estate scene.
Valouran: launching a new global lead in property
'Driven by a relentless pursuit for excellence, we generate value by delivering not only assets, but buildings of timeless elegance. Our vision is to craft exceptional residential-led schemes that blend world-class design with a laser focus on generating superior returns for our investors and partners. We create beautiful homes that people will want to live in for a lifetime and hand down to the next generation,' says Michelin, who is announced as Valouran founder and CEO.
Valouran co-founders Alex Michelin and Matthew Robertson
The new company is set to be 'an evolution of Finchatton', combining the 40-years-worth of collective experience of its two co-founders. Co-founders of Valouran, Alex and Matt will also remain fully involved in the delivery of ongoing developments at Finchatton including the instantly recognisable London landmarks, such as Twenty Grosvenor Square and The Whiteley. At the same time, Valouran – its name inspired by the word ‘valour’ – aims to combine highly desirable locations and iconic buildings, with sustainable architecture and resilient community building.
Matthew Robertson, founder and CFO at Valouran adds: 'Our knowledge of the sector is unmatched, which makes us a secure and reliable choice. There has been a real flight to quality from ultra-high-net-worth real estate investors in recent years – the wealthy are looking for secure opportunities that support the lifestyle they are seeking. Our deep financial expertise and commitment to excellence make our new venture the key partner for institutional investors aiming to maximise the value of their residential schemes.'
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).
-
‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’ at Design Museum interrogates the loaded history of swimwear
Curator Amber Butchart speaks to Wallpaper* about the Design Museum’s latest exhibition, which explores the cultural impact of swimwear – from Pamela Anderson’s bombshell ‘Baywatch’ one-piece to those made for sports, leisure or fashion statement
By Zoe Whitfield Published
-
The Frick Collection's expansion by Selldorf Architects is both surgical and delicate
The New York cultural institution gets a $220 million glow-up
By Stephanie Murg Published
-
Come as you are to see Kurt Cobain’s acoustic guitar on show in the UK for the first time
Kurt Cobain’s acoustic guitar goes on display at the Royal College of Music Museum in London as part of an exhibition exploring Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance
By Tianna Williams Published
-
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 Published
-
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 Published
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodelling
North Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its garden
Architects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional space
A multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st Century
Thanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
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’
By Anna Solomon Published
-
An architect’s own home offers a refined and leafy retreat from its East London surroundings
Studioshaw 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
By Jonathan Bell Published