Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2019: London Square wins top prize for The Glasshouse apartment in Caledonian Road
A sleek two-bedroom apartment at The Glasshouse, a new nine-storey block in north London, with crisp white exterior and covered balconies, has scooped the top prize at this year's Evening Standard New Homes Awards.
Our awards champion excellence across the housing spectrum, from innovative first-time buyer flats to family houses, factory lofts and dazzling conversions.
Judged by a panel of readers, this year's winners showcase everything that buyers are looking for in a home — thoughtful design, eco-friendly features and flexible designer interiors.
The Grand Prix Award is presented to the overall winner, picked from 20 honoured projects at the event which is now in its 28th year.
The Glasshouse, by developer London Square, is in Caledonian Road and part of wider regeneration sparked by the remarkable transformation of nearby King's Cross.
A decaying Victorian factory compulsorily purchased as part of the Eurostar tunnelling project and later turned into 25 low-energy homes and work studios was the first major project along "The Cally" as it's known by locals.
It was followed by a much larger scheme: 150 flats in the Market Road conservation area that includes 10-acre Caledonian Park, a green retreat.
London Square, the developer, came up with a “place-making” scheme of restrained design - five low-to-mid-rise blocks clad in pastel-coloured bricks, with metal window frames and full-height glass, set around landscaped courtyards and play areas. The project incorporates Cally Yard, a new hub for creative businesses.
Apartments are bright and open-plan, with underfloor heating and a balcony plus there will be an onsite gym and 24-hour concierge service.
The Glasshouse is the development’s focal point — a nine-storey block with a white exterior, extensive glazing and a hotel-type entrance lobby. The winning two-bedroom apartment has a triple-aspect open-plan living area. It was snapped up for £985,000.
Earlier, Weston Homes bagged the Best First-Time Buyer Home award for Langley Square development in Dartford.
Dartford is a big beneficiary of the high speed rail link connecting Dover to St Pancras, and is closer to Canary Wharf and the City than many parts of west London.
Langley Square is a new 400-home neighbourhood in the town centre alongside the train station and River Darent. The winning two-bedroom apartment cost £260,000.
Notable other winners included St Bernard's Gate in Southall by Higgins Group and Catalyst which won Best Affordable Homes Development. Located between two Crossrail stations, Southall and Hanwell, 270 flats will sit in new blocks alongside several listed buildings.
Prices start at £370,000, with shared ownership options available.
Elsewhere, on the other side of London, The Macpherson Apartments in Bethnal Green by Thornsett and Gatti Routh Roades Architects and Bow Garden Square by Poplar Harca and Telford homes were the joint winners of the Best Regeneration Project award.
The former brings much-needed new housing plus a new community hub, place of worship and upgraded public space, while Bow Garden Square includes 109 apartments above a new school as well as a community centre and showpiece new mosque with a glass minaret.
Scroll through the gallery above for the complete list of winners, which will also be featured in Homes & Property on Wednesday 22 May.