Situated on what used to be the site of a British Army Barracks in the City of Westminster, London, a new residential development is well underway, led by Qatari Diar, a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority. Spanning 12.8 acres and with 3 of the 4 phases already complete, this new addition to SW1 is bringing a revived dynamic to the neighbourhood. While the development is made up of a number of apartment blocks, it does also include 13 6-storey townhouses (work of PDP London), two of which interior designers Albion Nord were invited to design as show homes for potential buyers.
As part of the project, Qatari Diar tasked the design team to create a bespoke furniture collection for the development to celebrate core values of craftsmanship, quality and materiality. While the collection has been designed exclusively for Chelsea Barracks, each piece will be available to purchase separately too. Reflecting the history of the barracks through intricate details and features, the collection has been designed to create heirlooms in which homeowners can invest and pass down to future generations.
Mirroring the aesthetic of Albion Nord and their love for classic designs and antiques, the collection contains 11 pieces which have been created in collaboration with a selection of talented artisans from across the UK. “Our aim was to create a range of furniture, lighting and accessories that demonstrates our mutual respect and understanding of the need for context and tradition.”, states Ottalie Stride, Creative Director at Albion Nord, when discussing the design approach which was adopted from the outset. “We’ve selected the best-in-class British artisans, whom we have developed relationships with throughout our careers, to bring together the old and the new to create carefully balanced, unique and timeless designs that can be used to furnish properties across the world.”
Here are 5 highlights from the new collection:
The Wellington Desk
A stand-out piece from the collection, The Wellington Desk is based around the design of an original campaign desk, referencing the history of the development itself. Created in collaboration with furniture makers Stride & Co and Collier Webb, the desk is made from a single piece of English pippy oak, complete with an embossed leather top and lockable leather-lined drawers. With a reeded timber detail to its edge, the design sits on collapsible legs which are inspired by the original features, clad with brass lion paw feet.
The Barracks Bench
Again, made from English pippy oak in collaboration with Stride & Co, this handcrafted design celebrates a timeless aesthetic making it work with a variety of interior styles. With a turned frame and interlocking spindles, the bench has a woven cane seat and is available with a loose seat cushion, shown here upholstered in the Wren fabric. The textured fabric print references the architectural footprint of the nearby Royal Chelsea Hospital.
The Elizabeth Side Table
The conical base is made from green English oak with the pippy oak top tying the table in with the remainder of the collection. Referencing the history of tea drinking which Britain is renowned for, this side table is part of the collaboration with Stride & Co, making the perfect accompaniment to your reading chair.
The Radnor Tableware
Named in honour of the area’s history of porcelain and the nearby William Frend de Morgan pottery works which was established in 1872, this tableware set is made up of a dinner plate, cereal bowl, side plate, soup bowl and mug. Designed by Sally Marien, the tableware features the Chelsea Barracks rose on each piece.
The Belgravia Lamp
Handmade from Moleanos stone in a collaboration with David Turner and Concept Bespoke, this architectural design references the classic design features seen on many of Chelsea’s historic buildings. Set on a bronze plinth, this statement design can be paired beautifully with a variety of shade designs.
Take a look at the full collection here.
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