Grandeur Revealed
THE PORTLAND STONE FACADE
The scaffold has been gradually removed from the façades of Chelsea Barracks over the past few weeks and now, for the first time, the magnificent Portland stone can be fully admired. The scale of this hugely ambitious project is becoming apparent, and the architectural grandeur long discussed, a reality. The remarkable stone details carved into the design are a testament to the nine years of hard work Squires and Partners have put into this project.
Fit-out Underway
THE INTERIORS
The internal fit-out is now nearing completion in the more advanced units marking a significant milestone on site. The timber flooring has been laid in all residences, with the exception of the Penthouses, and the bespoke Italian kitchens have been installed in 40 of the residences to date. The number of tradesmen on site is now at an all time high, as we aim to deliver the residences to their owners in the summer of 2019.
Sensitively Restored
THE RAILINGS
The Grade II-listed railings, extending 450m along the perimeter of the Chelsea Barracks site, are of special architectural and historical significance to English Heritage. Built as part of the original infantry barracks in the 1860s, they, and the Garrison Chapel, are all that remain of the original Victorian barracks buildings; the preservation and restoration has been a journey all of its own. Sent away to Scotland for months of specialist restoration, the first batch of railings have been returned to site where they will entwine Chelsea Barracks within the context of the traditional surrounding streets for centuries to come.
Public Artwork
CONRAD SHAWCROSS - BICAMERAL
British artist Conrad Shawcross has been announced as the creator of the first piece of public art at Chelsea Barracks. He joins an eminent team of designers tasked with bringing the Garden Squares of Chelsea Barracks to life. Having been commissioned by the Roundhouse, and exhibited at Palais de Tokyo and Turner Contemporary, Shawcross is arguably Britain’s best loved public sculptors, and will be adding to his impeccable portfolio with his latest commission for Chelsea Barracks.
Shawcross of the piece: “I did some research into the area and one of the key things was horticulture, with the Chelsea Physic Garden, and the history. The awareness of plants and the distinct history were in my mind’s eye, the piece had to be a sculptural yet natural formation. The piece is very mathematical but has echoes of many things, so hopefully, it will have many reminiscences and oscillate between different meanings for different people”. The piece will be unveiled in the spring... watch this space.
Delicate Craftsmanship
TOWNHOUSE BALCONIES
Celebrated innovator and consummate artist Tord Boontje has designed the Chelsea Barracks Townhouse balconies. Boontje was inspired by the pre-Victorian floral elements of metal work and incorporated this into his design, as it resonated with the botanical heritage of the surrounding area. With many elements hand crafted by skilled artisans at a small Somerset blacksmiths, these designs are bespoke to Chelsea Barracks and will be made just this once.
Ethereal Masterpieces
SHARON MARSTON - LIGHTING DESIGNER
As we near completion, it is appropriate that we celebrate the craft and finer details of Chelsea Barracks. There are numerous architectural and aesthetic crafts that will make up the heart of this scheme and Sharon Marston’s creations are the epitome of beautiful aesthetic. Since founding her studio in 1997, Sharon has become a pioneer in the world of decorative lighting and one her handcrafted, ethereal masterpieces will soon hang in the Spa of Chelsea Barracks.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
DOVE PLACE
The impressive 10,000 sq.ft. Garrison Suite has been our world-class marketing suite for the past couple of years, but for now, we are closing the doors on this space as it is refitted for the coming of Phase 4. In the meantime, we have moved to Dove Place. Situated within the ground floor of 9 Whistler Square, Dove Place will allow passers-by to finally step into Chelsea Barracks.
Please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to book your visit.
Partnership
GOODWOOD
2018 marked the beginning of an exciting partnership between the renowned Goodwood Estate, the home of The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and Chelsea Barracks. The Estate plays host to a number of thrilling sporting events throughout the year, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Glorious Goodwood.
A British institution like no other, Goodwood has a sense of timeless poise where fashion, high society and world class entertainment come together; something extremely special to be a part of.
The VIP & Patrons Lounge
MASTERPIECE
Masterpiece is the world leading cross - collecting fair, offering the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery, from antiquity to the present day. This year Chelsea Barracks was a Patron Partner of this prestigious event and as such, hosted the VIP and Patrons lounge for the duration of the event. Our garden inspired space echoed features from the future garden squares of Chelsea Barracks, and included twelve 10ft tall trees. Frequently referred to as the ‘secret garden’ the lounge offered Patrons a moment of calm to unwind and recharge. Due to return next year, we very much hope to see some of you there.
The Chelsea Barracks Team
BRITISH POLO DAY
For the second year running, Chelsea Barracks has worked in partnership with British Polo Day, travelling to the far corners of the world to host spectacular events in celebration of British heritage. Frequently attended by royalty from around the globe, this year we were delighted that HRH the Duke of Sussex could participate at British Polo Day Henley playing on the Chelsea Barracks team.
THE OPENING OF THE GARDEN SQUARES
May 2019
In May of 2019, the first three gardens squares of Chelsea Barracks will be complete and opened to the public for the very first time. To mark this momentous occasion, celebrated garden designer, Jo Thompson - who was responsible for the Chelsea Barracks gold medal-winning garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower show 2016 - and acclaimed landscape architect, Neil Porter, are collaborating to deliver a fully mature floral spectacular for the occasion. The opening will coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show enabling garden enthusiasts from far and wide to see London’s newest garden squares.
From the Chelsea Barracks Team
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From the entire Chelsea Barracks Team, we wish you a very enjoyable festive season and a prosperous 2019.