Mayfair House Brief

I was first approached by my clients in 2006 to look at how Mayfair House could be extended and refurbished.  After many proposals and meetings, including consultations with the local authorities, the plans became established with planning approval being granted in 2010. During this lengthy process high end residential design had undergone a huge lift in public focus in particular with the completion of No1 Hyde Park by Candy & Candy which had pushed property values in certain areas of London to previously unknown levels. The concept of 'Super Prime Properties' of unsurpassed comfort and quality aligned with state of the art developments in communication and building management systems became the desired requirement. 

I viewed all the latest properties of note at the time with my clients whilst establishing the brief for Mayfair House. It was established that the building be developed to provide Four Exceptional Residences to be located over five floors with a Penthouse duplex occupying the fourth and fifth floors. The tenanted art gallery that existed on the ground and lower ground floors was to remain in place and continue to function throughout the refurbishment.

It was also decided at the time that the residences of Mayfair House (which is a freehold property within the surrounding Grosvenor Estate) would be for rent not for sale. I knew immediately from experience that the requirement for rental would have a subtle but significant effect on design detailing and specification of materials. Not only does rental need the 'wow' factor but it has to be 'robust'.

After final considerations the plans were set, the First, Second and Third Floors (all set on one level as 'laterals') would contain spacious Reception Rooms, large Kitchens, generous Master Suites, two other Bedoom Suites and a Media Room (which could be used as a Fourth Suite if desired). The Penthouse would be set over two floors allowing for the private living accomodation on the Fourth Floor whilst the more public (entertaining) areas could take full advantage of the rooftop level, excess of light and potential spacial advantages.

The rooms and their arrangement can be seen on the plans and are evident in the numerous images found on this website, but the general principles followed allowed for spacious open plan Reception Rooms, numerous Bedroom Suites (extremely well appointed), the provision of dedicated Media Rooms, Large Kitchen/Breakfast rooms and generous back of house service facilities. State of the art built in lighting systems, audio systems, heating and cooling, these and much else all being controlled by a central building managment system, combined with layers of security and a 24hr concierge would provide the ultimate in stylish contemporary living.