In 2010, Berkeley Homes purchased this modernist office block in the heart of the City of London. Since its heyday in the 1950s, Roman House had declined to an empty shell and was in a state of neglect. The Manser Practice were appointed to redesign and refurbish the interiors to create a high-end residential development.
As one of the three in the Roman House, this penthouse was conceived as the ultimate large and luxurious living space in the heart of the City of London. The long, rectilinear plan is organised with the bedrooms on one side and a large roof terrace on the other. A wide, central corridor features marble panelling and wall recessed bespoke joinery to house the potential resident’s extensive wine collection. The corridor then leads to the main living room followed by continuous, full height glass doors, creating a seamless link with the outside space. The large roof terrace provides the perfect place for entertaining, with lounge seating, an external kitchen and a dining table under a modern, edge-lit canopy.
The main living area is the heart of the penthouse – it contains the kitchen with a huge central island, a more formal dining table and a large relaxing space grouped around a slate fireplace. Floor to ceiling glass elevations on both sides give stunning views of the city.
Our overall design theme for this penthouse includes strong lines of symmetry and innovative solutions for the optimum use of space and light. The harmony between shape and scale is achieved with a perfect balance of materials and colours. The final outcome is both contemporary and elegant