The new rental apartments bringing ‘New York loft living’ to North London
A new building of rental apartments has just launched, with the somewhat bold aim of bringing ‘New York warehouse-style living’ to Wembley.
Ferrum, which is located close to Wembley Stadium, comprises 741 studio, one, two and three-bed homes which can be rented directly from the developer, Tipi.
On entering the building, it’s clear that the design is a lot more considered than the average renter is used to. Architect JTP says it took inspiration from the nearby railway that connects Wembley Park to central London, creating “an industrial and handcrafted warehouse aesthetic.” In the communal areas this means brick arches, steel detailing, concrete soffits and exposed pipes.
It even continues into the vast residents’ mail room, where Japanese street artist Suiko was commissioned to paint a brightly-coloured graffiti-style mural. The flats themselves feature exposed ceilings, copper pipes, kitchen units in basalt or silk grey and wooden worktops. The furnishings – which have been curated in partnership with John Lewis & Partners – bring a pop of colour, and renters can choose from three different palettes for their furniture and walls.
The apartments have been designed with sharers in mind, so they have equally-sized bedrooms and a central space for relaxing, dining and entertaining, as well as a balcony. Two-beds have two bathrooms to eliminate arguments about the shower schedule, and residents are also able to rent storage space from Tipi.
“Very few London apartments offer this exciting blend of old and new when it comes to design”, says Jeremy Fletcher, chief operating officer at Tipi.
A whole floor of the building is taken up by a residents’ lounge called The Foundry, and there are also home-working areas, a library, a rooftop terrace and gardens which feature dog runs (pets are welcome in selected apartments) and benches made from railway sleepers. Ferrum also has a gym complete with boxing bags and a climbing wall.
Ferrum is just one of many rental buildings built as part of Tipi parent company Quintain’s huge regeneration project at Wembley Park, which could eventually comprise 5,000 homes.
“We know from resident feedback that the social spaces in our existing buildings make up a core part of life at Tipi,” Fletcher says. “That’s why we’ve opted to go even bigger and better with Ferrum, with a resident lounge that will serve as a hub of social activity, as well as beautiful outdoor spaces.”
The apartments don’t come cheap, ranging from £1,595 per month for a studio to £3,350 for a three-bed, including all bills. But if you’ve always thought you belonged in the Big Apple, it could be a good second best.