Let The Shard's Stylish Residences Light Up Your Summer Escape To London
Twelve years ago, The Shard cast its futuristic imprint across the London skyline. Designed by Renzo Piano – the building first seemed incongruous with its surroundings of London Bridge and the Tower of London. But as with most architecture, where the environment organically evolves around it, The Shard has carved out an indelible enclave in the city, becoming one of the capital's most iconic projects. It is home to the 202-room Shangri-La, The Shard hotel, offices, restaurants and bars, including Hutong, and a viewing platform twice the height of any other in the city.
This summer ushers in a whole new chapter for the urban project, with the opening of Shard Place – a world-class 27-storey residential building featuring 176 furnished apartments exclusively available to rent, turning the idea of a vacation des-res on its head.
The glass building is tucked in neatly next to its sister structure, the design also masterminded by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, with low-iron glazing to maximise natural daylight and naturally ventilated winter gardens that explore the relationship with indoor/outdoor living.
Inside, the spaces range from studios to three- bedroom apartments, each crafted to make living in the capital easy and elegant. In terms of size, there's everything from 425 square feet all the way through to 1,486 square feet, with 20 different layouts to meet your needs. Most impressive perhaps, is the light that floods through each space, allowing residents to drink in the city's ever- changing skyline from multiple angles.
Decked out in bespoke handmade furnishings by State of Craft design studio, there's a focus on timeless, natural materials and tactile surfaces that impress but don't overwhelm. Paying tribute to the local neighbourhood, you can choose from two distinct colour palettes – Bermondsey and Borough – each offered in light or dark colourways complementing your personal style. Other furniture brands and artisans you'll recognise are Cassina, B&B Italia, Fredericia, Apparatus and Richard Wrightman, while the art collection throughout has been curated by Richeldis Fine Art, featuring over 30 artists, including David Annesley, Rubén Rodrigo and Whitney McVeigh.
Comfort and convenience are key when you're holidaying away from home and craving a five-star experience which comes equipped to meet all your needs. With that in mind, Shard Place also offers a 24-hour concierge, exclusive club car membership, a Residents Lounge with private dining room, 15-seat cinema, a fully-kitted wellness suite with sauna and steam room and a double-height orangery. Furthermore, you will find a library, south-facing terrace with views of St. Paul's Cathedral and a rooftop sundeck complete with London's highest outdoor pool here.
With Borough Market, Tate Modern and The Globe Theatre at its doorstep, Shard Place delivers a calming urban oasis that is still situated at the centre of all the action. This is summer escapism on another level.
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