Crafting excellence

Castellum was appointed as the Principal Contractor for Phase 2 of the works to this 12,500 sq ft property, which is a detached single dwelling with off road parking (a rare luxury in Central London) and a lovely west facing walled garden. The front door opens on to a spectacular entrance hall with a large spiral stone cantilevered staircase with a bespoke chandelier – successfully designed for immediate impact. Whilst the scale of this property already appears impressive from the outside, the reality is so much more than that – a new double iceberg basement doubles its size. This is home to a cinema, spa, swimming pool and leisure complex, along with staff accommodation.

The 13 month project, with CDP elements, was for the fit out of an existing shell and core and was completed just before Christmas. Working on a partially completed project is always interesting and, inevitably, along the way, we faced some interesting challenges overhanging from works that had come before. Happily all of these were overcome and it was a pleasure to be part of a collaborative endeavour. We worked alongside Stanesby Architecture who were responsible for the design, M&E consultants Ingenium, Colliers who were the project and cost managers and the engineers were from the Michael Barclay Partnership. Potential delays were mitigated via the re-sequencing of critical path activities and by working closely with our supply chain to reduce both lead times and on-site working durations.

As completion approached, Somerset Estates came on board. Somerset Estates is a bespoke property and household management company that specialises in the luxury sector. They were appointed to ensure a seamless handover phase and to oversee the property’s ongoing upkeep and smooth operation.

At Castellum we compile, as standard, a detailed O&M Manual (Operation and Maintenance) which includes every warranty and guarantee, along with instruction manuals and to look after the ‘as built’ drawings. Detailed handover meetings take place to ensure clear and precise communication. The pivotal role of Somerset Estates is to offer the clients complete peace of mind and at Hyde Park Gate (as with many prime properties) their service is bespoke to meet the needs of the client and the property, on and beyond completion of the project.

Properties of this significance take a particular kind of management, it’s important that their property managers are personable and friendly but they also need to be highly technically minded with a strong eye for detail, that they know how things work in the house and are able to troubleshoot in the first instance (saving time and cost). Philippa Somerset, the company’s Managing Director says, ‘Some of the issues we come across on a day-to-day basis are complex mechanical and electrical issues involving various systems and contractors. Sometimes the misconception in property management is that it’s all fluffing pillows and folding towels!’

Luxury renovation is an ever-evolving field. Ultra High Net Worth buyers often own multiple properties across the globe. Space, functionality and architectural integrity are important to them, but so is quality and longevity – timeless and meticulous design is integral to success. These people want a hassle-free ownership experience so properties must be fully operational from day one, with every system from mechanical and electrical installations to home automation, set up and tested for immediate use.

Increasingly, luxury homes cater for a holistic lifestyle, incorporating wellness and entertainment, with advanced security. The Hyde Park Gate residence includes:

•  A state-of-the-art-cinema for private screenings
• A full spa and leisure complex with a swimming pool, sauna and treatment rooms
• Smart home integration, offering seamless control over lighting, climate and security systems

To ensure long-term relevance, these features must be future-proofed through:

• Adaptable technology, allowing upgrade without major overhauls
• Premium materials and finishes that stand the test of time
• Pro-active maintenance plans, ensuring all facilities operate efficiently year-round