Notes From The Author

Abode2 takes a trip to relax and enjoy the stunning amenities at Author in London’s King’s Cross designed by Conran and Partners

Located at 180 York Way, Author King’s Cross is home to three buildings arranged around a public landscaped courtyard garden designed by Fabrik. At the northwest of the triangular site two linked buildings, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, provide 140 rental homes sitting above the Conran and Partners-designed amenity spaces.

Rooted in an ethos of 'urbanised nature’, Conran and Partners have seamlessly integrated the richness of both emerging and historic contexts, adding to the refined living experience. The design concept cleverly combines patterns and forms from urbanity with the textures, tones, and layers of nature.

Upon entering, you are welcomed by the double-height lobby area, which really sets the tone. Accents of colours, such as the bespoke artwork by Kenny Nguyen, are carefully balanced by the natural and neutral patterns of wood and concrete and hedged by biophilic elements that soften the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The use of timber joinery on internal walls adds warmth and tactility to the space, whilst the curve motif design of the panelling has been inspired by the arches of King’s Cross, resulting in a dynamic background for the rolled steel reception desk from Isomi.

From the lobby, the staircase leads up to a private lounge, a co-working area, a courtyard lounge, a garden kitchen, a screening room and a gym. These stem from seating-lined corridors, connecting the spaces with views of the central courtyard garden area.

The private lounge, with furniture and finishes in tones of green and orange, features a pool table and a bar backed by a bespoke bronze mirror with the reoccurring arches motif and framed by a Shiva Pendant Light by Morghen Studio, which dances and twists with a scenographic and unexpected flow. Throughout the whole project, Conran and Partners have focused on non-uniform lighting, strategically crafting points of interest and visual hierarchy, fostering an atmosphere of comfort and domesticity.

The co-working area, named ‘The Nook’, provides a different setting for working, from semi-private booths with a controlled backdrop to a more collaborative central table. The vertical panels in laminated bamboo define the personal space while still allowing light and views to be enjoyed.

Acting as the central space, the courtyard lounge, has been designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors acting as a flexible area to socialise, work or rest. Conran and Partners, in collaboration with Field Clegg Bradley Architects, ensured the interiors are intricately connected with the external architecture and surrounding nature, creating a cohesive and sophisticated living experience. The ceilings, especially the bespoke triangular panels by SAS, exemplify the dedication to customised excellence, making Author a testament to contemporary design. The Bauwerk textured paint further adds to the sense of connection to the outdoors with its earthy texture and tone.

Beyond the courtyard, the corridor continues into the connected building, with a private screening room to the left and a garden kitchen to the right. The flooring across these spaces has been carefully selected to bring an urban feeling, with a raw concrete-inspired carpet in the screening room, and Mutina’s Mews tiles in the kitchen area to reference Victorian quarry tiles in a modern way.

Bookending the entire space is the residents’ gym, leaning into the supernature concept with saturated natural shades of green and red, also present in the dichroic glass, offset by the industrial look of galvanised metal.

Simon Kincaid, Principal at Conran and Partners, said: “Our vision for Author, King’s Cross was to fuse urbanity with nature, crafting an unparalleled residential experience. Each element curated, from the intricate motifs inspired by King's Cross arches to the nuanced play of colours and materials, echoes the historic context and contemporary design. We’ve sculpted an environment that speaks to refined urban living, fostering a sense of connection to both the built and natural worlds."