Sky-High Serenity

High above Canada Water, within British Land’s landmark residential development The Founding, Conran and Partners had conceived a three-bedroom penthouse that redefined high-rise living through the lens of townhouse intimacy. The project had formed part of an ongoing collaboration with British Land, encompassing interiors across the building as well as neighbouring commercial spaces within the wider masterplan.

Perched on the 32nd floor, the residence had opened onto expansive views stretching from Canary Wharf to City of London. In response to a brief calling for an aspirational sanctuary, the designers had created a layered environment where vintage finds, bespoke furnishings and artworks including pieces by David Hockney had coexisted with tactile, handwoven commissions by Lara Pain.

A defining gesture had emerged in the form of a bold “blue drench” palette. As partner Simon Kincaid explained, “A unifying feature throughout the apartment is a bold “blue drench” palette, where blue becomes the new white, replacing natural colours with tones inspired by shifting skies and weather, reinterpreting the sensation of living among the clouds.”

The spatial journey had begun with an intimate entrance nook before unfolding into a generous living area. Here, a bespoke terracotta-upholstered sofa, developed with Ateliers London, had anchored a composition of collectible pieces by Carlo Scarpa, Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and Gastone Rinaldi. A low silhouette had preserved uninterrupted sightlines, while a luxurious leather daybed had introduced a subtle, hotel-like indulgence.

In the kitchen, dark veneered cabinetry with black metal framing and recessed handles had been offset by glazed white tiles that echoed the reflections of surrounding waterways. Throughout, Lara Pain’s textiles stitched from wool, linen and cotton had carried quiet references to the site’s industrial past.

The private quarters had offered distinct atmospheres. The principal bedroom, oriented towards the skyline, had featured a wrap-around silk curtain, alongside industrial accents such as pieces by Georgiev Zabeta and a Beton Brut steel mirror. A floating artwork by Gustaf Höglund had punctuated the space. Elsewhere, the second bedroom had embraced terracotta tones in a cocooning scheme, while the third had been lifted by butter-yellow walls and bespoke detailing.

“For the penthouse design at The Founding, our aim was to bring the warmth and intimacy of a townhouse into a high-rise setting. A bespoke aspirational layer of art, craft and glamour is set within the building’s industrial architecture, creating a deeply personal and glamorous home that feels both curated and in dialogue with the skyline.” said Simon Kincaid.

The penthouse had emerged as a seamless blend of warmth and elevation, with Conran and Partners transforming a high-rise space into a richly layered and quietly luxurious home above the city.