One Hyde Park

One Hyde Park is an apartment building in Knightsbridge, London SW1.

Designed by architect Richard Rogers, the development of 80 apartments and three exclusive boutiques within four pavilions, has been created to form a unity between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners has been able to encapsulate the very best of urban living in their design. The drawings and sketches alone are awe-inspiring and the overall effect of romance and grandeur is evident even now. Though full of subtle moods and qualities the design is clear and eloquent, devoid of fuss and complication. Its apartments, which will be hidden from public view, will be wonderfully luxurious and incomparable to anywhere else in the world.

The structure has been designed to synthesize with the existing landscape - on one side, the vibrancy of Knightsbridge - stylish, international and quintessentially English, with an exuberant mix of European architectural styles. On the other, tall groves of trees from which the tranquillity of the park unfolds, opening out onto lush greenery, lakes and fountains. One Hyde Park overlooks all of this and will indeed become a natural part of it.

The transparency of the structures magnificently opens up the space between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, creating a natural flow of light and new energy between the two. The light is be drawn into the north-facing areas and recesses of the buildings and their shape provide residents with both panoramic views onto the park or city, with total privacy.

The pavilions shape adds shadow and definition - their sparkle and rhythm breaking up the roofline. The roofscape rises and falls in scale with the buildings on either side, their Victorian inference subtly reflected in the new development (for example the red weathered steel of the façade is a contemporary hint at the red brick of existing Knightsbridge architecture). Their shape creates floors of dramatic beauty and scale, where discreetly served apartments will offer consummate space, comfort and style.

Covered garden spaces inside the buildings bring the essence of the nearby park inside and glazed screens will open during the day adding to the organic flow of energy on entering and leaving the building. The buildings are a celebration of light and nature, even in the midst of the city.