High Tech architecture is usually associated with grand municipal buildings such as airports and sports stadiums, so the opportunity to buy a property by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw – best known for designing the Eden Project and the Grand Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground – at apartment prices is not to be sniffed at.
The one-bedroom maisonette was designed in 1988 as part of a development of 12 industrial-looking concrete and steel properties, 10 of which are houses, one a bedsit and one the property currently for sale.
Matt Gibberd, managing director of agents The Modern House said: “It’s an entry point into Grand Union Walk and the only affordable, decent-sized flat that you can get there if you like it architecturally.
“Nicholas Grimshaw is a very well-known architect and it’s pretty rare to be able to live in something of that sort of standing for £650,000.
“High Tech is generally associated with Norman Foster, Richard Rogers et al. who very quickly became well-known architects so frankly most of the important High Tech buildings from that era are things like airports or grand municipal buildings.”
Indeed, the reason these domestic dwellings exist at all is related to planning gain considerations for the Sainsbury’s on the other side of the building.
The homes are not mere adjuncts to the supermarket, however, but have been cleverly designed so that they face entirely on to the Regent’s Canal.
They are even entered via a canal-side walkway and the balcony with seating space offers further opportunities to enjoy the waterfront location.
As Gibberd says, “when you’re on the canal side you’re not aware that there’s the supermarket on the other side. It looks onto the canal very deliberately.
“It’s well-known development because so many people walk down the towpath there. It’s a very well loved piece of architecture.”
The Modern House will be holding a viewing day at the property this Saturday, March 14. Email viewings@themodernhouse.net
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