The Compton, one of the world’s first cast aluminium clad-buildings, has reached completion and has just welcomed its first tranche of residents this spring.
Commissioned and built by luxury boutique developer, Regal London, this ten-storey residential building delivers 49 progressively designed homes in one of London’s most prestigious suburbs, St John’s Wood. The development is well-located, just a three-minute walk from two of London’s most renowned attractions, Lord’s Cricket Ground and Regent’s Park.
This architecturally striking apartment building, designed by Simon Bowden Architecture, embodies both innovation and elegance, pushing the boundaries of residential new build, not just in St John’s Wood, but London as a whole. Each apartment has been individually configured to maximise both space within the home and the outward views. The result of these internal configurations is an articulated bay rhythm to the exterior. The façade is constructed from recycled cast aluminium, which was selected for its adaptable properties, culminating in a distinguished appearance and a one-of-a-kind architectural design.
Inspired by the greenery of nearby Regents Park, the series of undulating bays are embossed with an intricate leaf motif that gives an impression of texture and delicacy. This stylised pattern unifies the building and reoccurs on a larger scale in the fretwork at the lower part of the building. The curvature, producing a distinctive and seamless façade, is reminiscent of the nearby mansion blocks of St John’s Wood. The bays open onto private balconies, and each apartment benefits from full height windows filling the spaces with natural light.
Brought to life by a world-class team of consultants and constructed by Regal London, The Compton is a feat of both architecture and engineering, with its unprecedented use of aluminium.
The architectural ambitions for The Compton were quite unprecedented, and it was evident from the outset that the process would require acute attention to detail. Cast aluminium is not a material that is often used for residential schemes and required a great investment of time in preparation and development.
We spent a year working up prototypes, running analysis and testing. Our final prototype was rigorously tested at a research facility to accurately measure the resilience and strength of the structure to ensure it surpassed building standards.
With such emphasis on the aesthetics – as well as the function – of the aluminium structure, we developed over 1,000 designs for the bay patterns, of which 100 were shortlisted for 3D printing, to allow us to select the exact level of texture and outline that would capture the right amount of light. 20 different panels then had to be perfected and manufactured before piecing them together on site.
Simon Bowden
Founder & Director, Simon Bowden Architecture
Renowned for their expertise, cast metal manufacturer, AATI, were enlisted to assist in the development and manufacturing of the panels. A quality assurance benchmark was created so that if, during transit or installation, any scratches or chips were deemed too severe, the panels would be rejected, and replacements would be manufactured. Specialist foil packaging and handling guidelines were even devised to protect the panels and, of the 1,800 panels made, just two were rejected.
Located just a short walk from Baker Street and St John’s Wood underground stations, the entirety of the capital is accessible within minutes.
The Compton was designed as an architectural pioneer for London’s residential landscape, and we were delighted to work with Simon Bowden Architecture and a host of industry experts to bring our shared vision to life. For the interiors, we collaborated with renowned interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, to create serene and elegant living spaces.
This new building is a striking architectural landmark that enhances the development’s surroundings and demonstrates the ethos and design for which Regal London is renowned.
Simon De Friend
Co-Founder, Regal
