A modernist residential block in London’s St James’s district, designed by Denys Lasdun and Partners and clad in granite and mosaic, which won the RIBA London Architecture Bronze Medal in 1960.
At a glance
This grade II* listed eight-flat building exemplifies post-war British modernism, with its boldly expressed reinforced concrete frame and refined material palette. It stands on a historically significant site in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
History
The site was occupied from around 1692 by a substantial house. Lieutenant-General Sir John Cope demolished the original building in 1745 and constructed a larger replacement, where he remained until his death in 1760. The house passed through several notable owners, including Robert Smith, 1st Baron Carrington, who expanded it. The structure was destroyed by German bombing during World War II. Denys Lasdun and Partners designed the replacement block, completed in 1959–60, with Alexander Redhouse as partner in charge and Graham Lane, Lyall Anderson and Maya Hambly as assistant architects. Ove Arup and Partners engineered the structure.
What you see
The building employs reinforced concrete clad with Baveno grey granite, a refined Scandinavian stone that grounds the design in understated luxury. White vitreous mosaic adorns the soffits, creating subtle visual interest beneath the deep overhangs typical of Lasdun’s work. The composition balances structural honesty with elegant restraint.
Cultural significance
The 1960 RIBA London Architecture Bronze Medal recognised the building’s contribution to post-war residential design. It represents a pivotal moment when British modernism engaged with conservation-conscious London contexts, replacing war damage with architecturally ambitious flats that respected their Georgian surroundings through material quality and restrained detailing.
Key facts
- Location: St James’s Place, St James’s, London W1, United Kingdom
- Coordinates: 51.5054, -0.1404
- Built: 1959–60
- Architect: Denys Lasdun and Partners
- Engineers: Ove Arup and Partners
- Listed status: Grade II*
- Award: RIBA London Architecture Bronze Medal (1960)
Practical information & getting there
The building is situated in St James’s, central London, a short walk from Green Park and Piccadilly. As a private residential block, it is not open to the public, but the exterior is visible from St James’s Place. The nearest transport hubs are Green Park and Piccadilly Circus Underground stations.
Sources & resources
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