Residential Address: 20 Newcourt Street
In the heart of London, between the tranquil greenery of Primrose Hill and Regent's Park, a design-led conversion project is breathing new life into a Victorian police station on Newcourt Street, St John's Wood. The project, undertaken by Wendover Studio, has transformed the building into nine boutique rental homes, blending historical architectural character with contemporary living design.
The former St John's Wood police station, now a stylish residential complex, is a testament to Wendover Studio's commitment to creating considered, generous living spaces. The development offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, many with private outdoor spaces, while others have access to the communal courtyard.
The architectural transformation of the building combines the existing structure with a new-built element, maintaining the building’s Victorian civic character while introducing modern residential functions. The exterior retains and restores the original masonry, while a new extension draws on the building’s material language, using pale brick, pre-cast concrete lintels, and painted timber detailing.
Inside, the interiors use a restrained, tactile palette, referencing the building’s history. Neutral colours, solid oak flooring, off-white lacquered joinery, ribbed glass, terrazzo worktops, and glazed tiles are featured throughout. The apartments have distinct layouts, with the re-planning works carefully designed to bring in daylight and improve spatial flow.
The courtyard, elegantly landscaped, serves as a visual anchor and social meeting point. It features cycle storage, a shared library, and a co-working space, encouraging resident interaction. The design prioritizes quality of light, aspect, and spatial quality over uniformity, reflecting continental European urban arrangements around a shared courtyard.
Wendover co-founder Gabriel Chipperfield highlighted St John’s Wood as an ideal location due to its leafy neighbourhood and excellent access across London. This is Wendover Studio's first foray into the rental sector, and it marks a significant step in their mission to create design-led, contemporary living spaces in London.
Turley serves as the planning and heritage advisor for the project, ensuring its historical integrity and respect for the local context is upheld. The Edwardian-style bathrooms add a touch of elegance to these contemporary apartments, completing the harmonious blend of old and new.
In conclusion, Wendover Studio's St John's Wood apartments offer a unique living experience, combining historical architectural character with contemporary, thoughtful design. They provide a prestigious London setting that fosters a private yet convivial community atmosphere, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a design-led living experience in the heart of the city.
Residents of the stylish St John's Wood apartments can indulge in a lifestyle that seamlessly blends historical architecture with contemporary home-and-garden design, creating a unique and prestigious living space in the heart of London. The development by Wendover Studio, a testament to their commitment to design-led living, provides an ideal setting for those who appreciate the balance between the old and the new.
