An Urban Oasis

Interior design studios, Thirteen ID and HWCD, bring nature indoors to this new, green neighbourhood

Setting a benchmark for quality and design, St George (a proud member of the Berkeley Group) has enlisted acclaimed interior designers Thirteen ID and HWCD to bring the outdoors in, unveiling a one and two-bedroom Show home, at Silkstream, one of Hendon’s most exciting – and sustainable – new developments.

Sustainability is central to the vision of Silkstream, with a 1.5-acre public park, Oxbow Lake, new and improved cycle and pedestrian highways, a restored section of the historic silk stream, communal terraces and elevated podium gardens forming part of Silkstream’s green living credentials.

This focus is maintained through to the interiors, with HWCD and Thirteen ID ensuring all materials were sourced from reputable, ISO certified suppliers and manufacturers. Joinery is made from FSC certified timbers and veneers, and the majority of the furniture is made with local, London-based artists and crafts people, and is built to last. The designers have endeavoured to use vintage, recycled items where possible and where not, materials are sourced from a variety of sustainable small businesses.

A Blueprint for Biophilia

Creating a sanctuary in Silkstream’s one-bedroom Show home, Thirteen ID’s vision is centred around the interior philosophy of bringing the natural world into a man-made environment, also known as biophilic design, rooted in the innate human desire to connect with nature.

Verdant pops of the natural world find form in thoughtfully integrated textures and dressing, with biophilic design filtering through from the specially curated outdoor spaces to the artful placement of plants and preserved flowers throughout the Show home. Using the development’s six private gardens – each inspired by a different British landscape – as a starting point, Thirteen ID looked to incorporate nature into their designs as a means of creating restorative spaces in amidst busy urban environments.

Lois Street, Creative Director at Thirteen ID noted, “We wanted to use natural tones and materials to give the space an organic feel, with sustainably sourced marble, timber, cotton and velvet adding a touch of luxury throughout. Original commissioned pieces of artwork by London based artist, Jessica Rose Bird, incorporate each of these textures and colours, providing an overarching, cohesive narrative that resonates across the scheme while also ensuring each space feels natural, but nevertheless unique.”

Bringing nature indoors

Taking inspiration from the ancient Japanese tradition called “forest bathing”, a ritual dedicating time surrounded by trees to boost well-being, interior design studio HWCD has sought to capture the essence of nature within this two bed Show home.

From forest greens to calming, silken blues – an ode to the historic silk stream creek from which the development received its name – HWCD combines modern design with a nod to the powers of nature. With a focus on light, stone and vegetation, a variety of textures have been incorporated across the scheme.

A palette of earth-inspired tones invoke the protective nature of forest canopies, creating a calming and intimate space where one can escape from the stresses and noise of the city. Combining nature and tranquillity, natural tones of cream and beige present a clean backdrop while splashes of ochre, burnt reds and terracotta act as focal points.

Milana Mu, Director at HWCD, notes: “Natural colours and textures were a key part of the design’s inspiration and journey. Each wallpaper introduces a different texture and pattern to create a sensory narrative, where each room echoes a different forest or landscape. Inspired by the surrounding environment in every sense of the word, all bespoke furniture pieces that feature are locally produced, as well as all framed artworks being sourced from local artists based in and around London.”

Silkstream marks an exciting new chapter for Hendon. Situated between two successful regeneration zones, including the multi-billion-pound Brent Cross Cricklewood development which has been heralded one of Europe’s most ambitious projects and a key growth area by the Mayor of London, residents can enjoy access to over 200 nearby green spaces, including seven Green Flag awarded parks, and 2,380 hectares of Green Belt land. It is also near the Brent Reservoir (popularly called the Welsh Harp), Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, and Golders Hill Park. Silkstream boasts excellent transport links. The creation of Brent Cross West station, opening this year, is the first major mainline train station to be built in London in over a decade and journeys to central London will take just 12 minutes.

Prices at Silkstream start from £438,000 for a one-bedroom suite apartment. The Silkstream marketing suite, 4 the Hyde, NW9, is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm, Bank Holidays 10am-4pm.

www.Silkstreamnw9.co.uk