On top of the world

Penthouse living has never looked so inviting - or so green.

Panoramic views, amenities to rival any five-star hotel and a private terrace are just some of the features offered to new owners of one of the new penthouses at Wardian London, launching this week.

The 12 penthouses will grace the top storeys of Wardian London’s two towers, designed by award-winning architect Glenn Howells. This includes four three-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments in the West Tower and three two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartment in the East Tower.

But it’s the blend of exotic planting and a contemporary aesthetic of bold, clean lines that give the penthouses their real ‘wow’ factor.

The development is named after Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, inventor of the Wardian case – glass cases that, in the 19th Century, allowed plants to be transported to England from all around the world.

Landscape architect Huw Morgan has paid tribute to Ward by showcasing over 100 different species of plants in communal areas such as the swimming pool and atrium and bespoke planting schemes for individual apartments.

Recognising that people do not always have the time to maintain a roof garden, The Gardener, Wardian London’s landscaping service, is an example of how the developer has thought carefully about residents’ busy lifestyles.

Ballymore has commissioned a specialist team of designers to draw inspiration from its unique eco-concept. Using an earthy colour palette with natural organic materials, traditional craft techniques have been used to give the bespoke interiors an artisan’s touch with unlacquered marble, stone, brass and raw, shaved, organic timber, lending them to a handfinished feel.

Location is another big selling point.

Overlooking South Quay, the offices, shops, bars and restaurants of Cabot Square are only a three-minute walk over the South Quay footbridge.

The area has excellent tube and light rail links to central London and when Crossrail opens next year connectivity will be even better.

All residents will become members of The Wardian Club whose facilities include a 25m open-air swimming pool, gym, cinema, two restaurants and a rooftop observatory bar. A 24-hour concierge service is also provided.

It’s a real luxury lifestyle because the location, views, planting and finishes add up to more than just a house in the sky. Together, they create a lifestyle like no other.