120 King’s Road

Location: Chelsea, London

Brick Manufacturers:Michelmesh Holdings PLC / Reclaimed 

Brick Names:  FLB Handmade / London Yellow Stock

Architect: Squire & Partners

Brickwork Contractor: Knight Build

120 King’s Road is a new mixed-use brick development located in a prime position on King’s Road, Chelsea, at the historic axis of Royal Avenue and the Royal Hospital. Designed and delivered by Squire & Partners for developer Crosstree Real Estate, the seven-storey building provides workspace and retail provision, extending the cultural and lifestyle offer of the King’s Road and nearby Duke of York Square.

Designs seek to anchor the building in its setting and create connections with the grand brick buildings which distinguish the surrounding Conservation Area streetscape, including Chelsea Hospital and its adjoining Stables, Duke of York Square, Mitre House, and various low-rise buildings along King’s Road.

Detailed analysis of this context in the early concept stages led the design team to employ a buff brick shade with a Flemish bond to echo the context immediately to the east of the site and the Duke of York Square. The addition of arched brick fenestrations and a darker shade of brick at the building’s base create detail and richness, which – when mixed with other detailing including green tiles and dark metalwork – create a crafted contemporary feel, whilst also nodding to the local historical heritage.

Not only does the use of brick anchor the building in its local context, but also adds sustainability credentials. The use of reclaimed London Stock bricks over new brickwork created five times less embodied carbon. In addition, the robustness of brick ensures that the building will stand the test of time.

Fully glazed screens animate the retail frontage on King’s Road and Tyron Street, with the leisure offer below ground further enhancing the high street experience. Contemporary, flexible workspace on the upper levels has access to an external terrace with views down Royal Avenue. Internally, the interior design mixes simplicity with rich details which reference the opulence of the location.

Sustainability is a key element of the design, with a four-storey living vertical wall and sedum topped roof space designed to make a contribution to local biodiversity and air quality. As part of the project’s circular economy objectives, 68% of the existing building’s basement, lower ground and part of the ground floor structure will be retained. The use of the reclaimed London Stock bricks further reduces the carbon footprint of the building, helping to create one of Chelsea’s greenest buildings.