Luma, a sanctuary in the heart of London

Designed by the architects Squire & Partners with interiors by Conran and Partners, Luma is a place of calm and tranquillity, a boutique residence where one can escape from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city

In the vibrant King’s Cross, Luma is the latest boutique residence designed by the architects Squire & Partners with interiors by Conran and Partners. A place of calm, the residence is located between two urban green spaces, Lewis Cubitt Park and the Jellicoe Gardens. “Our design for Luma is centred around creating a sense of calmness and tranquillity, bringing a peaceful quality to the building which is noticeable as soon as you step inside”, says Simon Kincaid, Partner at Conran and Partners. “Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, you are immediately struck by the relaxed warmth and serenity that greets you. Taking inspiration from the history of King’s Cross, which is known as a gateway from which to escape the city, this notion of ‘escapism’ has informed much of the design and has made Luma a sanctuary in the heart of the city”. Luma offers 61 apartments, including studios and 1-bedroom apartments, with sizes increasing as the building rises, culminating in two

Owner/Developer: Argent LLP Architectural design: Squire & Partners Interior design: Conran and Partners Furniture & Finishing: &Tradition, Benoit Viaene, Cassina, Carl Hansen&Son, Christopher Farr, De La Espada, Norman Cherner, Okha, Pierre Jeanneret, Stellar Works, Van Rossum

Author: Francesca Gugliotta Photo credits: Philip Durrant, Billy Bolton

exclusive penthouses on the 10th floor: “We have sought to create a sense of identity and character within each apartment. We like to think of them more as a collection of bespoke residences, with each one having a uniqueness to it. For example, all of the light-filled apartments feature tall balcony windows, smoothly integrated kitchens and bathrooms, and deliberately understated, natural, light and refined materials such as timber and natural stone. We have also introduced a number of 1.5-height apartments which feature distinctive mezzanine living areas and dual aspect views to enhance the overall sense of space and offer a distinguishing quality”. High ceilings, darkstained timber joinery, bespoke lighting and soft furnishings create a serene and atmospheric entrance: “This is complemented by a layering of details such as full-height bronze-black metal decorative screens which divide the space, light grey terrazzo flooring with brass inlay pattern, leather upholstery and a Venato marble concierge desk. As residents move through the building to the

corridor and apartment spaces, the material palette lightens in contrast, to create relaxing, lightfilled environments in which to live”. The Penthouse on the 10th floor is entirely bespoke: “It is truly a space for first class entertainment. The open-plan kitchen and dining area features a central island and a unique eight-seater Van Russum oak dining table with vintage Antonin Suman for Tatra vintage dining chairs, newly upholstered in Dedar fabric. Above sits a striking mid-century brass chandelier to create a more intimate atmosphere. Here, guests can enjoy the views over London while helping themselves to a drink from the traditional drinks trolley from Stellar Works”. The floating staircase is one of Conran and Partners’ favourite features: “In natural quartz stone, with beautiful metallic flutes, the staircase divides the living from the kitchen and dining space; as the sun moves around Luma, it creates a dramatic lighting effect, naturally adding drama and a further connection to nature”.