Old Victorian Gas Tanks Are Now A Swank London Apartment Complex

By Kate Santos Updated Sep 24, 2018

Peter Landers

When one hears that a new Central London apartment building is made from refurbished gas tanks, chic may not be the first word that comes to mind. But once you see the structure, you can't help but feel that the design — while uber-industrial and modern — is, in fact, quite elegant.

Gasholders London

Gas holders — immense gas tanks that contained enough fuel to warm city dwellers — were common throughout London for 200 years, and came in many forms and styles. Over time, the need for gas holders decreased, and by the '90s, many of them were destroyed. A charming and historic part of London's industrial heritage, many people have made efforts to preserve them. Gasholders London, with its large Victorian-era columns and modern amenities, is one such preservation achievement.

To create a unique design in one of the building's two-bedroom apartments, No.12 Studio chose to complement and highlight the complexity of the architecture. One of the ways they did this was through careful consideration of how natural light interacts with the space. And to contrast with the property's harsher, industrial tones, the team brought in plush objects and calming hues to give the space texture and warmth. (How fitting.)

Tina Hillier

1. Living Room

The perforated metal exterior encasing the balcony creates a pattern of light and shadows that is cast across the living room's neutral-hued furnishings.

2. Living Room

Tina Hillier

The cork stools designed by Jasper Morrison offer movable seating or side table options. The bespoke wall art, designed by No.12 along with British manufacturer Anne Kyyrö Quinn, is reminiscent of origami paper folding — a material that contrasts nicely with the heavy metals just outside.

3. Living Room

Tina Hillier

The rug, a custom work by No.12, plays on the theme of curvatures throughout the room. Curtains made by Cameron Broom work in tandem with the eyelet-like holes in the exterior metal facade.

4. Dining Room

modern dining room with curved furniture

Tina Hillier

Poured resin floors give the shared areas in the apartment a seamless and immaculate feel. A mix of vintage and modern centerpieces on the custom dining table adds extra character to the modern design.

5. Dining Room

Tina Hillier

The most complex challenge in designing the two-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot apartment was working with the circular and pie-shaped floor plates. So No.12 developed ways to use curved elements — like this dining table created specifically for the space — that would harmonize with the curve of the walls.