Seldom has an apartment block generated so much publicity, but then seldom do apartments command such eye-watering prices. One Hyde Park materialised at the start of the credit crunch, but has apparently been unaffected by it, sailing above the economic storms battering the rest of Britain and the West. Conceived by the developer brothers, Candy & Candy, it is not a single apartment block, but 4 inter-linked buildings designed by architects, Rogers, Stirk, Harbour & Partners. The exterior divides opinion, but I’d been itching to get inside the building ever since it was completed. Fortunately, award winning Interior Designers, Casa Forma asked me to photograph what must be their most impressive project to date. The shoot was not without its challenges. Simply getting into the building is a hurdle in itself, as security is understandably tight. The main issue however concerns the finishes throughout the apartment. ‘Antique’ mirrored walls, highly laquered timber veneers and polished stone and marble. All look fabulous, but are super glossy and reflective, making it almost impossible to conceal the tripod and camera, let alone any flashlight. On occasion it’s unavoidable, so thank heaven for Photoshop!
As I mentioned, many column inches have been devoted to the subject of One Hyde Park. Here’s a thought provoking one that appeared in Vanity Fair recently.