The exciting transformation of Leon House has been recognised at a prestigious industry awards ceremony.
FI Real Estate Management’s conversion of the former modernist office block into 263 high-end apartments finished runner up in the “Most Innovative Redevelopment of an Existing Property” prize at the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards.
The award ceremony, hosted by Jonnie Irwin, presenter of Channel 4 TV show “A Place in the Sun”, was held at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, in London, last week.
The criteria for the category was focused on “properties that have been redeveloped using fresh ideas that uphold the integrity of the original building and make best use of the retained features and surroundings.”
From the beginning, design has been at the heart of the Leon House project with architect Roy Collado (RIB, MBA, ARB), of Collado Collins, determined to stay true to the building’s modernist history.
A stunning piece of restored artwork by post-war sculpture William Mitchell, discovered during the construction works, forms the centrepiece of the impressive foyer entrance.
The redevelopment also has a distinctive community feel, with a concierge service welcoming home owners into a residents’ lounge in the lobby, offering both co-working space and free wi-fi. At the top of the building, a communal rooftop Sky Garden has landscaping, decking and plants with a private residents’ dining room adding an extra touch of luxury.
Judges also looked for a demonstration of how the scheme design stood out from its rivals and how it appeals to the first-time buyer.
Leon is a genuinely affordable option for first-time buyers. A total of 39 units were offered through Optivo Housing, a not-for-profit organisation that provides local people with affordable homes through shared ownership schemes, while all remaining apartments qualify under the London Help-to-Buy Scheme.