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50 Oakley Square offers this rare treat of a combination - a slice of minimalist architecture and residential calm, while set within one of London's most popular corners. The scheme, designed by Echlin and set near Mornington Crescent in Camden, is a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the nearby market but has been designed to feel anything but - drawing on some cool design tools (soundproofing, natural light, orientation and the right materials) to craft a haven of serenity for its residents and guests.
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Inside 50 Oakley Square, Camden
50 Oakley Square stands out for one further reason. Created as a rooftop extension, the project is the creative refresh of an existing, modernist architecture-inspired 1980s building. By renovating the original building's communal areas (and discretely elevating it for all tenants - old and new) and adding an extra eight rooftop and penthouse apartments at its crown, this is an imaginative residential typology.
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The one- and two-bedroom apartments in the new addition look over the charming Camden rooftops, offering London skyline vistas. At the same time, corridors, stairwells and the entrance have been given a facelift, not only creating a warm and contemporary environment (that stays true to the building's original character) but also bringing these spaces to the 21st century in terms of accessibility and facilities' requirements.
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Meanwhile, inside the homes, a Nordic sensibility matched with British craftsmanship prevail, bringing together natural materials and light colour tones to craft spaces that feel peaceful and welcoming.
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The kitchens, for instance, feature terrazzo worktops from Caesarstone and fully integrated Siemens appliances. Bathroom combine porcelain, mosaic and cement tiles from London-based Claybrook Studio and Bert & May for a tactile, seamless feel.
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Echlin co-founder Mark O'Callaghan said: 'After a few years discussing this scheme with the local council, we feel we have now achieved a great collection of new apartments that will benefit the residents and the nearby communities through the provision of additional housing and bringing a new lease of life to this corner of Mornington Crescent.'
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'It has been a great pleasure to see the airspace turn from a gravel-topped flat-roof in need of repair into a spectacularly light-filled and airy yet warm set of penthouse and sub-penthouse apartments.'
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Bridging architecture, interior design and development, Echlin is a London studio that specialises in residential work - both single family homes and multi-family housing, all across the capital. Past examples of their work include Kenure House and the penthouse at Rathbone Square.
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