Layers In London

Canaletto, the distinctive building in London by star architect Ben Van Berkle’s UNStudio’s is his only residential project in the UK. A 30-storey tower offering 190 apartments ranging from studios to penthouses, with amenities like member’s lounge, spa, cinema etc, the building creates so-called ‘neighbourhoods in the sky’.

The second phase of Canaletto has just been unveiled with two limited edition apartments which have been designed by WOMO architects and the other Goddard Littlefair. Both apartments complement the distinctive sculpted shape of the building.

WOMO Architects – an Amsterdam based architecture practise ‘flipped the script’ of the Beaumont apartment 2802’s open-plan design by segmenting it fit for entertaining while individual personal comfort is not compromised.

Both partners Imola and Wouter worked on the original architecture of Canaletto during their time with UNStudio. Imola Berczi of WOMO Architects said “the goal was to curate, rather than decorate…most importantly our aspiration was to give life to spaces that are both sophisticated and delicate extensions of different styles.” Imola carefully selected pieces by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, Piero Lissoni for B&B Italia & Living Divani, Catallan & Studio Italia with a curation of original contemporary art work by Mae Engelgeer, Adam Ball, Becky Allen and Daniele Scauso.

The Goddard Littlefair apartment has a soft and playful sophisticated response to the organic nature of the architecture, using a natural palette to complement the transitions from inside to outside. Jo Littlefair of Goddard Littlefair said, “We wanted to create layers of personality much like the dynamic city life that surrounds us, contrasting layers of materials, detailing and proportions.”