Back in September last year I wrote a post on my previous blog, The Property Files, about an apartment for sale at Langham House Close on Ham Common in London, and I must admit this was the first time that I’d come across this development. The apartment, since sold, was being marketed by The Modern House, so you can understand why this second apartment in the same development caught my eye. This interior feels like the perfect complement to the building: contemporary and clean-lined, but with those touches that suggest a sensitive appreciation of midcentury design.
This development on Ham Common was recently described by the Twentieth Century Society as “a benchmark against which other apartment blocks can be measured” – which is quite a statement. English Heritage has given the group of apartments Grade II* listed status (which is extremely rare for a post-war property) in recognition not only of the exceptional design by the architects James Stirling and James Gowan but also the manner in which the buildings have been maintained since their construction in 1957-58.
This two bedroom apartment sits on the first floor in one of the ‘garden pavilion’ blocks and has been very sympathetically refurbished by the current owners. Many of the original features have been retained including floating internal walls and the beautifully minimal fireplace with its exposed concrete mantelpiece.
With its tall windows overlooking the communal gardens and the open plan flow of space between the seating, dining and cooking zones, this ’50s apartment feels entirely modern in its ethos and aesthetic. And I love how the owners have chosen a simple and predominantly neutral (but warm) palette with subtle pops of colour, from teal to buttercup to orange. So good.
The communal areas of the pavilion blocks also feature interesting architectural details including fine pre-cast shuttered concrete, curved steel handrails and elevated walkways. If you’re interested in exploring this development further, you’ll find more information on Langham House Close in the history section of the listing on The Modern House.
Although this apartment has now sold, you can see more photos on this property’s listing with The Modern House.
