Centaur Street, London SE1

This two-bedroom split-level apartment (which could easily be configured to have three bedrooms) is arranged over the ground and first floors of a critically acclaimed apartment block designed by the architects de Rijke Marsh Morgan (dRMM). Number One Centaur Street has been described by Jonathan Glancey of The Guardian as “a minor masterpiece”, and has received a numberous awards including the RIBA London Building of the Year.

This two-bedroom split-level apartment (which could easily be configured to have three bedrooms) is arranged over the ground and first floors of a critically acclaimed apartment block designed by the architects de Rijke Marsh Morgan (dRMM). Number One Centaur Street has been described by Jonathan Glancey of The Guardian as “a minor masterpiece”, and has received a numberous awards including the 2003 RIBA London Building of the Year, the 2003 Architects' Journal First Building Prize and the 2003 Housing Design Award, amongst others.

The Concept

The concept behind the design is described by dRMM: “The double entry, generous size of units, riser positions and flexible layouts created a regeneration concept of sustainable, long lasting, loose fit living. It is possible to subdivide all the apartments into live and work, or double household units”. The architects specified a deliberately industrial range of materials, including walls of exposed concrete impressed with the pattern of the timber moulds in which it was cast.

The Tour

Externally, the building is encased with fibrous cement and clad in a mock-timber rain screen of augmenting proportions. Other than in-situ concrete, all components are prefabricated, specified and assembled according to dRMM’s ‘off the shelf’ catalogue design methodology.

The block contains just four apartments. Each apartment is organised as a large, open double-height living space. The solid concrete construction and well-positioned communal stairs form a buffer against the adjacent railway line.

The architects have owned this particular apartment since it was completed in 2003 and features a number of unique details custom made for dRMM including the kitchen, shelving and sliding screens.

The kitchen / dining / reception room is a wonderful, partly double-height space overlooked by a galleried room that serves as a second reception room / study. Sliding doors open onto a side terrace (which has a gate leading directly on to the street).

The apartment has two double bedrooms (both with en suite bathrooms) which have impressive exposed concrete surfaces.

The Area

The building is located in an established yet exciting area of London, within walking distance of all that is on offer on the South Bank, including the National Theatre, Tate Modern and the London Eye. The Young and Old Vic theatres are on nearby The Cut, along with some excellent independent restaurants.

Centaur Street leads off Hercules Road (formerly home to William Blake). It is within a short walk of Waterloo station and the River Thames. The nearest Underground is Lambeth North (Bakerloo Line).

Tenure: Share of freehold / Length of lease: Approx. 976 years remaining / Service charge: Approx. £4,100 per year / Ground rent: None / Council Tax Band: G