Amenities at Author in London are rooted in the concept of ‘urbanised nature’

Conran & Partners reveals King’s Cross development Author’s luxurious and contemporary amenity spaces in London

Conran and Partners_Author_Courtyard Lounge with breakfast bar type table and long views out and timber ceiling
(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Author, the latest development to complete in London's King's Cross, is the estate's first ever built-to-rent scheme – and it has just revealed its family of communal spaces, courtesy of legendary architecture and design studio Conran & Partners. The commission, which spanned the ground floor entrance lobby and the residents' amenity areas, is rooted in the practice's concept of 'urbanised nature' – placing greenery and a material and textural richness at the heart of its approach. 

Conran and Partners_Author entrance lobby and reception with timber backdrop

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Author design: context and inspiration

The new residential complex, commissioned by developers Related Argent, is located at 180 York Way. It comprises three buildings arranged around a public courtyard garden that has been designed by landscape architects Fabrik. Meanwhile, the building's overall architecture was created by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. 

Conran and Partners_Author reception lobby seating area with colourful artwork

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Taking its cues from this lush chunk of urban nature, Conran & Partners worked out a plan for the design and fit-out of the spaces meant to serve the 140 homes within the development.

Conran and Partners_Author_Courtyard Lounge detail of orange sofa

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Natural and urban patterns, forms, textures and tones drawn from this context – both the building's own design and its wider context – informed the compositions by the London creative team behind Author's amenities.

Conran and Partners_Author_Courtyard Lounge

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

A double-height lobby area greets guests and hints at the colour and richness to follow within, defined by strategic colour pops in objects and furniture, and a bespoke artwork by Kenny Nguyen. Natural materials are juxtaposed by contemporary, tactile surfaces such as exposed concrete. 

Conran and Partners_Author_Garden

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

From the lobby, a staircase leads up to Author's main amenity spaces. These include a private lounge, a co-working area, a courtyard lounge, a garden kitchen, a screening room and a gym. 

Conran and Partners_Author_The Nook

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Sourced and bespoke items – such as a bronze mirror with a recurring arches motif and framed by a ‘Shiva’ pendant light by Morghen Studio – create a series of interiors that feel welcoming and practical, while elevating everyday experiences, such as spending time at the flexible co-working section, titled 'The Nook'. 

Conran and Partners_Author_Lounge Room

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Simon Kincaid, principal at Conran & Partners, said: 'Our vision for Author, King’s Cross was to fuse urbanity with nature, crafting an unparalleled residential experience.'

Conran and Partners_Author_Gym exterior

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

'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.'

Conran and Partners_Author_Gym interior

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

conranandpartners.com

Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018) and Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020).