Capella Court, Kings Cross

A key part of the brief was to transform the terrace into a private garden oasis, creating a sophisticated outdoor space that felt like a natural extension of the apartment. However, as a leasehold property, alterations to the terrace were subject to strict head lease requirements and required approval from both the building management and freeholder. This made what might appear to be a straightforward landscaping project considerably more complex.

The apartment was also equipped with modern smart-home technology, but the client wanted the controls to operate in a similar way to those in their other homes, providing a familiar and seamless experience whenever they were in London.

Despite being a new-build development with an on-site concierge team, the property also experienced repeated problems with its air-conditioning system during the first year of ownership, including periods without adequate cooling during the summer months. While a concierge can assist with the day-to-day running of a development, their role does not typically extend to managing complex technical issues within individual apartments.

With the client based overseas, they needed someone in London who could take ownership of these matters, represent their interests and oversee everything on their behalf.

We began by reviewing the lease documentation in detail to establish what alterations could be made to the terrace and the approvals required. Acting as the client’s single point of contact, we liaised extensively with the building management, freeholder, surveyors and specialist contractors throughout the consent process.

A number of technical and health and safety-related queries and requirements were raised before approval could be granted. Rather than asking the client to coordinate different specialists themselves, we arranged for the necessary information to be prepared, responded to the freeholder’s requirements and managed the process through to approval.

Working with our network of trusted specialists, we then delivered a bespoke terrace scheme designed around the client’s requirements, incorporating an automated irrigation system to ensure the planting could be properly maintained throughout the year—particularly important for an owner who spends much of their time overseas.

Within the apartment, we also worked with specialist contractors to adapt the smart-home controls around the client’s preferences, creating a more intuitive experience consistent with the systems they were accustomed to using in their other residences.

When the air-conditioning system subsequently failed, we identified that the property remained within the developer’s warranty period. Rather than allowing the client to navigate the warranty and repair process themselves, Black Brick took ownership of the issue, coordinating between the developer, building management and specialist engineers until the fault was properly investigated and rectified. By ensuring the matter was dealt with under the appropriate warranty, we also protected the client from potentially unnecessary repair costs.

Property management is particularly valuable when an owner cannot be physically present to protect their interests.

For this client, Black Brick became their representative on the ground in London—navigating complex leasehold requirements, coordinating specialist contractors, managing technical issues and ensuring warranty obligations were pursued on their behalf.

Our understanding of both the property and the wider development also enabled us to bridge the gap between the client’s vision and the practical requirements of the building. Rather than simply telling the client what could not be done, we worked with the relevant parties to find compliant solutions that allowed them to personalise their home.

The completed terrace ultimately became a standout feature within the development. When the building was subsequently considered for an architectural award, the development’s architects selected our client’s terrace to be presented to the judging panel—a testament to the quality of the finished project and the collaborative relationships established throughout the process.

For an overseas owner, the result is a home that feels distinctly their own, with the reassurance that someone who understands both the property and their preferences is in London to look after it when they are away.