- Architecture & development
Lantern House will be a beautiful new residential complex in Chelsea. Heatherwick Studio's impressive design was inspired by the city's rich industrial history and warehouse buildings.
With the aim of making the physical world around us a better place for everyone, British design agency Heatherwick Studio realises the most beautiful projects in different disciplines. From their workshop and design studio in London, the designers create buildings, spaces, master plans, objects and infrastructures. ‘With a focus on large scale projects in cities around the world, we prioritise those with the greatest positive social impact,’ we hear at the studio. They don't have just one fixed style and design spaces and places that have a soul and are interesting, always starting from the human experience. Heatherwick is currently working on as many as thirty projects in ten different countries. One of those impressive realisations we can look forward to is Lantern House in Chelsea. 
The design was inspired by the rich industrial history and buildings of the city.
Lantern House is a new residential building that Heatherwick will realise for Related Companies. Five years ago, they were commissioned to design a new complex at the High Line, an elongated, high-rise city park in Manhattan. There were already many new glass apartment blocks along this and Heatherwick wanted to create a new type of residence. One that is reminiscent of the style of the existing historic (warehouse) buildings in the area and will be built as sustainable and timeless. 
For example, the designers were inspired by an element that we often find in buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian period, namely a bay window. They adapted this well-known element and developed double-high, glass bay windows located between robust brick pillars. The windows protrude slightly and are convex, creating a three-dimensional effect. They are also located at the corners of the building, giving the residents spectacular views and plenty of natural light. By using glass plates, vertical metal mullions and brick, Heatherwick creatively honours Chelsea's rich industrial heritage. Although robust materials were used, Lantern House looks elegant and modern both on the outside and inside. 
The site will be split in two by the High Line, so Lantern House will consist of two residential towers. The designers did provide a shared and impressive entrance. The lobby is located under the High Line and is even literally 'pierced' by two of its pillars. One tower has 10 floors and the other 22. In total there will be 181 condos including penthouses and suites from 1 to 4 bedrooms. The interior of the residences will be as impressive, timeless and luxurious as the exterior of this unique building. 
Courtesy of Related Companies