“The Penthouse is the perfect vantage to look over the hustle and bustle of London and feel this amazing sense of calmness. When we began designing for this space, we came to the penthouse, sat on the floor, and just experienced the shift and change in light throughout the day. You could while away hours taking in that view and never be bored. A constantly changing tapestry and with all of London’s icons to admire from the quiet above. Our approach took inspiration form the view and has developed into a New York style penthouse in a way”
The One Casson Square Penthouse
Q&A with Portia Fox
Portia Fox were appoitned to design the Penthouse in One Casson Square, a new landmark on the London skyline. What was your design approach?
The real challenge of designing a space like this is that the views are so incredible, so impressive, its really important not to create anything that distracts from that. Why would you want to?
The real challenge of designing a space like this is that the views are so incredible, so impressive, its really important not to create anything that distracts from that. Why would you want to?
One Casson Square penthouse Interiors Revealed
Fox’s concept takes the bespoke approach to a new level, as the designer crafted her compositions to include a wealth of custom-made furniture and products, which were created and made to exact specifications for the penthouse. With some 3,100 sq m to play with, the possibilities to think outside the box and produce something special were ample.
Your design places emphasis on working with British makers on bespoke pieces, why is that?
“Many local suppliers & artisans were used in the making of our designs. Using local artisans and craftspeople is central to my design ethos. I like to create one-off pieces, and a home of this calibre deserves that. And, we are very lucky in the UK to have some of the finest makers in the world”.
One-of-a-kind artworks include bedside tables in the master bedroom, manufactured by the Treeslounge workshop; plush rugs throughout the apartment, made by London-based atelier Holland Cassidy; a statement dining table and console table from specialist furniture maker Novocastrian; and a set of pippy oak bedside tables in the guest bedroom made from timber from fallen trees in London, by sustainable design house process Studio. Over 80% of the items shown within the penthouse are made in the UK.
Your design places emphasis on working with British makers on bespoke pieces, why is that?
Can you explain about the palette and materiality selections in the penthouse?
A soft, nature-inspired colour palette creates a sophisticated backdrop for specific pieces of art and furniture to pop – without distracting from the apartment’s 360-degree views.
“We very purposely selected a very calm and neutral palette, with a play on texture and materiality. Where colours are used they are deep inky blues, soft greens and terracotta – they work tonally with the external landscape so essentially feel quite neutral. Lots of refined textures such as carved timbers, natural stones, sophisticated fabrics – mohair velvets, suede, leather and heavy weight linens have been used. Overall, it has a classic and timeless appeal.”
What is your favourite design element within the Penthouse?
The Penthouse has statement spiral staircase which we have transformed using layers and layers of polished plaster, hand applied over several days. It speaks very beautifully to the wonderful Portland stone façade of One Casson Square. I also particularly love the master bedroom, perhaps the most exclusive master bedroom in the whole of London. The views are mesmerising and the room feels like a cosy haven up in the clouds.
What is your favourite design element within the Penthouse?
"I was profoundly touched when I found out the apartment was going to be named after me, Portia Fox, it really was one of the most touching and rewarding moments of my career"
Related journals
2nd December
The Sunday Times
House of the Week
8th November
Wallpaper*
One Casson Square penthouse is the perfect setting to enjoy iconic London views
The One Casson Square penthouse interior by designer Portia Fox has been revealed in London, filled with bespoke furniture and captivating art.
12th May
In Memory of Michael Squire 1946 – 2023
Michael Squire, the founding partner of London-based architecture practice Squire & Partners, and the architect behind much of the masterplan for Southbank Place, died on Thursday May 4, 2023. Under Michael’s direction Squire & Partner’s has become one of the UK’s most respected architecture practices, winning a significant number of design awards, and establishing a reputation for beautiful, crafted buildings in sensitive urban locations, with Southbank Place standing proudly among them.