AB Concept reveals first residential project in London at Thames City
The interior design studio curates a tasteful and luxurious hospitality offering within the Zone One London neighbourhood on the banks of the River Thames
August 17, 2023
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Internationally acclaimed design studio AB Concept has completed its first residential project in the UK, a collection of prime amenity spaces at Thames City in Nine Elms, London’s newest riverside neighbourhood being delivered by R&F Properties (UK) and C C Land.
Joining a team of renowned design and architecture partners, the studio has conceived three bespoke amenity spaces – a welcoming entrance hall, library, and 18-person private dining room - for residents to enjoy. The new spaces are situated in the 53-storey building No.8 and form part of Thames City’s private resident’s club, Club 1974.
AB Concept, co-founded and led by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, has drawn on its significant experience of working with the world’s most luxurious hospitality brands - including Four Seasons, Rosewood, and the upcoming landmark Raffles London opening within the Old War Office - to ensure that each design detail surpasses expectations of what a private residence can offer within its communal spaces.
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A welcoming retreat for residents
A neighbourhood under significant transformation, and sculpting a welcoming sanctuary within the bustling city, AB Concept has taken inspiration from its prime positioning on the River Thames. Bringing the outdoors in, residents enter from the architecturally striking circular courtyards – a retreat and hidden pocket of outdoor space - into a beautiful and contemporary entrance delicately composed of form, light and shape inspired by the ripple-effects of the water.
A signature waterfall installation acts as a backdrop to the circular, pebble like, concierge desk which takes centre stage in the foyer. Residents will be greeted by a dedicated concierge team of hospitality and lifestyle experts available on hand to offer and exceed expectations of a five-star hotel.
A nod to the nearby banks of the river, a bead-strung lighting installation, concentric geometric shapes, clean and contemporary colour palettes create a natural movement throughout this expansive lobby. Imposing balustrades halo around the desk whilst constructed textures and materials of layered limestone, wooden accents and contrasting herringbone flooring enhance depth and richness of the interior.
AB Concept has further sought to integrate individual seating areas and bespoke fireplaces throughout each individual amenity space.
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Hospitality beyond your home
In addition to the entrance, AB Concept has further been commissioned to curate two individual amenity spaces – the library and private dining room - exclusive to residents and acting as an extension of the individual homes.
Taking two distinct visions of masculinity and femininity, both spaces contrast in design, feel and purpose. Intended to reflect an intimate home, the library has been thoughtfully curated to layer comfort and contemplation. Filled with structure, dramatic finishes and ambient light residents have access to a quiet mix of enclaves and seating options.
Styled with imposing checked patterns and distinctive industrial accents, the design duo has teamed this bold and striking composition with complementary highlights of artistic and classical influences, such as the decorative floor pattern, complete with metal inlays, and bold fluted details.
A continuation of the collective envisioned in each of AB Concept’s spaces, a burnt orange seating arrangement sits in the heart of the room, alongside a unique statement open fireplace.
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Fine Dining – a members club experience
Evoking the highest detail of artisan craftsmanship, AB Concept has fashioned an elaborate dining experience, a true testament and homage to London’s most notable private members clubs.
Creating a masterpiece central to the 18-person circular dining table, the celebrated Metropolitan Chandelier by Vienna based glassware artisans, J. & L. Lobmeyr – provider of tableware to Austria’s president and state visits – is an artistic centrepiece and lighting installation. Made of hand-cut Swarovski crystals, the original chandeliers were gifted and housed in The Met in 1966 by the Austrian government. Inspired by architect Wallace K. Harrison, the installation is an explosion of light and glass, representative of distant galaxies, creating a truly encapsulating show stopping design highlight.
Framing this impressive circular table AB Concept incorporates their own bespoke seating. The Viola chair – a design created in collaboration with Italian furniture-maker Poltrona Frau – is a lightweight
and spacious chair that invites guests to relax and enjoy the comfort of the table setting and dining experience.
Evoking a sense of subtle art-deco, geometric and feather-like diamond paper patterns accompany the dining room’s concave ceilings, elegant mauve accents and fluted bohemian fine-cut glass.
Presenting a private member’s club feel, an homage to London’s exclusivity, a chef’s table and space are set alongside a cylinder fireplace allowing for more intimate seating arrangements and after dinner night caps, tailoring dining experiences to meet all resident needs.
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Ed Ng, Principal and Co-Founder of AB Concept, notes: “At Thames City we wanted to capture a distinct moment in time that can imprint in your memory and last a lifetime. London is a colourful city; each neighbourhood and pocket of the Capital is unique and individual with its own story to tell.
“Synergy between architecture and interior spaces is essential, and the riverside location played an important role in our design narrative. At Thames City, while the buildings are impressive in height, we wanted our style to elevate the understated luxuries and wellbeing available to residents.
“Thinking beyond the home, each moment we have curated at Thames City is an individual ‘jewel in the crown’, all serving a different purpose, concept, and experience. It was important that we created spaces that residents could showcase and make a statement to guests beyond their living areas, but also that are inviting and comfortable.”
Guan Zhixiong, Chairman of R&F Properties (UK): said: “Thames City is a premium destination for those looking for a new home in the centre of London and the resident amenities reflect that. AB Concept has gone above and beyond in curating a tasteful and luxurious offering that complements the overall high-quality design of Thames City which is unparalleled in its Zone One riverside location, provision of ample green space and panoramic views. The unveiling of residents' spaces designed by AB Concept is another crucial step in ensuring residents have access to a world-class offering."
Dickie Wong, Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of C C Land, said: “AB Concept shares our vision for Thames City as a modern destination which offers unrivalled convenience for residents without compromising on the quality of the design. From the 18-seat dining room to the private lounge
on the 39th floor, our residents are able to live, work, relax and entertain without leaving the front door. It is testament to the exceptional spaces that demand to live at Thames City has remained so high.”
A new landmark for London living
Thames City is a vibrant neighbourhood being delivered in the heart of Nine Elms. Designed by international architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Thames City currently comprises over 400 premium one-to-five bedroom apartments across No.8 and No.9 - the first of 12 buildings to be delivered - all of which offer 2.9m floor-to-ceiling windows, seamlessly integrated appliances, air-cooling systems and underfloor heating and are complete with base interiors by HBA Residential.
Delivering five-star quality, in addition to the spaces designed by AB Concept all Thames City residents enjoy a carefully conceived suite of five-star private lifestyle amenities and services beyond their own homes. Set over 6,400 sq m, these unique spaces include a luxury spa and wellness facility comprising one of London’s largest private swimming pools at 30-metres, treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art Technogym. Additionally, residents have access to a private wine and cigar store, cinema and karaoke rooms, a business centre, childrens’ jungle gym and 24-hour concierge.
Once complete, Thames City will total more than 1,400 new homes, shops, restaurants and 100,000 sq ft of commercial space, including indicative office, retail and NHS spaces, centred around the recently launched Linear Park - 2.5 acres of public open space designed by landscaping specialists Gillespies.
As the destination evolves, thanks to local investment and infrastructure – including the Transport for London’s Northern Line Extension - Thames City is perfectly positioned to access all that London has to offer. With proximity to the new Nine Elms Tube Station and Vauxhall station, new residents will have quick and easy access to the West End and City of London in less than 10 minutes.
For more information, please email sales@thamescity.com / call 020 3912 0137 / visit www.thamescity.com
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For further information about AB Concept please contact abconcept@camronpr.com
For further information about R&F Properties please contact FTI Consulting: Hannah Scheffler E: Hannah.Scheffler@fticonsulting.com T: +44 (0) 7814 080 230
About AB Concept | A design studio founded in Hong Kong, in 1999 by architect Terence Ngan and interior designer Ed Ng. Over twenty years the studio has built a global portfolio of commercial and residential interiors, bringing the values of their clients to life in physical space with soul. They work as creative partners with many of the world’s leading hospitality brands to create compelling interior environments that make people feel present in the moment.
In addition to spaces, AB Concept designs furniture, lighting and textiles that are charming of character and easy to use and believes in the power of good design to shape our human experience and leave a positive imprint on the mind.
About R&F Properties | R&F Properties is an international leading property developer for Luxury Real Estate, established in China 1994.
It is listed in Hong Kong and has a market capitalisation of around £3.6B, with a recent development pipeline equivalent to about 10% of the approximately 40,000 new homes expected to be built in London this year.
It aspires to provide positive real estate schemes across the world and works closely with local UK communities, businesses, and stakeholders, to deliver the most appropriate schemes for the benefit of all boroughs.
R&F is today regarded as a leading property developer focused on the design, development, construction, sale, property management and property related services worldwide and officially licensed to develop high class property developments and provide Luxury Living.
About C C Land | Headquartered in Hong Kong, the core business of C C Land is property development and investment as well as treasury investments. The Group started to build its global property portfolio since early 2017, and now has both investment and development projects in the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong and mainland China.
The Group’s business strategy is to have a balanced property portfolio with both stable recurring rental income and property sales revenue in developed cities worldwide.