Paul Eden, co-founder and Joint CEO of Regal London, talks to us exclusively about The Compton in St John’s Wood, an aluminium-clad residential building which features stunning Kelly Hoppen interiors to create a sense of belonging for residents.
Please tell us about your role and responsibilities at Regal London.
I’m Paul Eden, co-founder and Joint CEO of Regal London. We are a privately-owned SME developer of residential-led mixed used schemes in central and Greater London. I founded the business in 1998 with friend and business partner, Simon De Friend. Since then the business has expanded exponentially and we are on a positive trajectory, set to realise our plans to grow further in terms of turnover, size of business and staff numbers, as well as scale and scope of forthcoming developments.
I like to take an active role in the business. This can be anything from being involved in new site acquisitions, checking in on the build quality of our developments or speaking to our purchasers. I keep a close eye on sales and customer relations but equally enjoy engaging with local authorities on planning matters or meeting with key stakeholders and investors - such as KKR. It keeps me pretty busy so it helps that I have a strong and capable team around me – and that I’m an insomniac!
We want Regal London to excel at being amongst the best developers in the capital. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved to date and I’m delighted to have received many awards in recognition of this. Most recently, I was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the PROPS Awards which was a huge honour and, in many regards, a dream come true. It also acknowledges all the hard work and achievements of my business partners, management board and every member of Regal London staff.
I’ve been in the property industry for around 30 years in what I believe is one of the most diverse and exciting capitals in the world. To see and be part of the changing skyline of London is a dream realised. Regal London is proof that small ideas can turn into a successful reality.
Regal London has just completed one of the first all-cast aluminium buildings of its size in London, The Compton; can you tell us a bit more?
The Compton in St John’s Wood is one of the first cast aluminium-clad residential buildings of its scale in the country. With its curved, intricately patterned façade, it is a feat of engineering. In many respects, The Compton is another legacy project for Regal London, which is something we have become known for; a previous example includes Dalston Works, where our pioneering use of CLT garnered international acclaim.
The Compton is a landmark for St John’s Wood and makes a genuinely positive impact on the London skyline. The outstanding architecture, which is a result of an exceptional partnership that we have forged with Simon Bowden Architecture, is timeless and has been received well by neighbours, clients and passers-by.
Why aluminium?
Cast aluminium is not a material that is often used for residential schemes and required a great investment of time in preparation and development. The recycled cast aluminium was chosen carefully for its malleable properties to give The Compton’s exterior its distinguished appearance. A conscientious approach was imperative in order to perfect what was a complex design process. When devising the structure, over 1,000 designs were developed for the curved bays, which today are characterised by the stylised leaf design. 100 patterns were shortlisted for 3D printing, based on the exact level of texture and outline that would capture the right amount of light. 20 different panels then had to be perfected and manufactured before piecing them together on site. It was a time intensive process, but justified by the final result.
What makes the design of The Compton so progressive?
The Compton is virtually a first for the UK, if not the world, and its design credentials speak for themselves. We spent a year working up prototypes, running analysis and testing, which is testament to just how unique it is. Our final prototype was rigorously tested at a research facility to accurately measure the resilience and strength of the structure to ensure it surpassed building standards. Not only is the aesthetic progressive, but so was the creativity and execution behind it also.
The interiors have been designed by Kelly Hoppen - tell us more.
We collaborated with Kelly Hoppen on the interior specification of the apartments, such as the rose gold detailing in the master bedroom, polished plaster walls, herringbone flooring and cabinetry. Kelly’s elegant interior design is also evident in the communal areas, including the breath-taking lobby and residents’ gym. Through our collaboration, we have achieved a concept that consolidates the scheme’s identity as modern and progressive, as well as a creating a sense of belonging for residents.
Was the building design inspired by its surroundings in St John's Wood?
The trees and parkland of nearby Regent’s Park influenced the leaf motif visible on the exterior of The Compton. The curvature of the exterior bay is reminiscent of the much-loved mansion blocks in the St John’s Wood area.
Is there a particular 'type' of person that The Compton appeals to most?
The Compton has appealed to a variety of purchasers, in particular city professionals and downsizers, whose children have perhaps flown the nest and are looking to replicate the level of luxury of their previous home - but with the low maintenance, turn-key features that come with a new build apartment. The location has also proved to be a big draw, just a short stroll to St John’s Wood High Street and Regent’s Park. Proximity to Lord’s has made it popular with cricketing enthusiasts.
Is this forward-thinking design typical of the new builds commissioned by Regal London?
Forward-thinking architectural design is what Regal London prides itself on and The Compton is a perfect example of this. The use of recycled cast-aluminium in residential development is unprecedented.
What other exciting projects does Regal London have in the pipeline this year?
We have a number of live schemes across London and recently submitted planning for a second development in St John’s Wood, as well as a brand new apart-hotel in Whitechapel. Watch this space!
What are the latest design trends you see coming through for London new builds over the next few years?
Utilising sustainable or recycled materials in a thoughtful and stylish way to bring new and creative visions to life is a trend that we predict.