Aug 31, 2020
NV Integration are working a new project in Regents Park. Read on below to learn about the history of Regents Park and the famous architects who built the area.
Regents Park has quite an extensive history and has changed hands throughout English history. It began in the 16th century with the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII when he split from the Catholic Church. The Manor of Tyburn and the woods and lands around it were converted to hunting grounds and then Regents Park.
Regents Park when it was used as Farmlands
Once the English Civil war came in the 17th century the land was ‘disparked’ and then the next 100 years the land was used for farming instead of hunting. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 19th century when the land was resurveyed and was deemed suitable for redevelopment.
The Prince Regent George VI commissioned John Nash, Architect to the Woods and Forests, to develop the land into a park with exclusive fashionable estates along with a summer palace for the George VI.
From left to right: John Nash, James Burton, Decimus Burton
Unfortunately, crown finances dried up rather quickly as the Prince Regent turned his eye to developing Buckingham Palace. Subsequently, they withdrew from the development. This is where James Burton, the most successful real estate developer of the time refinanced the project with some terms for Nash. One of which was to take Decimus Burton, James Burton’s youngest son, as protégé to Nash.
Nash and Burton decided on developing the park as well as 10 luxurious estates that would look over the park.
This area consists of 10 estates with terraced houses.
From top left to bottom right: Gloucester Gate, Chester Terrace, Cornwall Terrace, Clarence Terrace, Hanover Terrace, Kent Terrace, York Terrace, Sussex Place, Cambridge Terrace, Cumberland Terrace.
Decimus also designed and built the property The Holme. This was the home of his father, James Burton. It looks over the boating lake in Regents Park. Architectural critic Ian Nairn wrote of The Holme: "If you want a definition of western civilization in a single view, then here it is".
The Holme
Decimus and Nash worked together to design the rest of the estates surrounding Regents Park. They wanted to design a traditional English townhouse but also incorporated many Greco-Roman styles. This period of architecture was known as the Regency and was popularised by Nash and Decimus who managed to capture the essence of the Greco-Roman style whilst maintaining some aspects of Georgian Architecture.
This was evident through the front of houses which followed an Ionic style of architecture which is defined by the columns, more precisely the volute. This spiral/scroll-like capital sits atop an Ionic column. Every estate in Nash and Decimus design incorporates these columns.
Furthermore, columns support pediments which incorporated detailed design with the face as well as statues on top each of roof.
Details of Gloucester Terrace (Gloucester Gate) Far Right is an example of a column of the Ionic Order by it's spiralled volute.
The properties once completed have been through a lot in the past 200 years. In World War 2 many were damaged, or destroyed by German warplanes. However Nash and Decimus’s design survived and these properties were restored to their original quality.
As they have held significant history they have been classified as Grade I listed buildings as they hold exceptional historical and architectural interest
Over the years these terraced properties have hosted some famous residents such as Jamie Oliver, Sacha Baron Cohen, Stefano Gabbana, and Tom Ford. These are just some of the residents who have, or currently reside at around Regents Park.
We are going to be bringing a historical property into the 21st century by providing a tailored Home Automation solution for our client, that will seamlessly integrate into the interior design. Meeting the demands that a family would expect in a 21st century home, while also being considerate to the heritage of the property, and interiors.
Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this project.
Contact us today if you are looking at a tailored Home Automation solution for your next project.