​THE ALBANY flats Kingston Thames Riverside
The previous properties on the site of the Albany were purchased by builders for redevelopment in the late 1950s, with an application put through in 1960 to build 90 flats.
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The buildings were designed and built by the construction company George Wimpey. The concrete and steel columns/beams with concrete slabs provide a rigid structural framework. The brick faced facades using London common bricks contrasts with the recessed 7th floor where dark engineering bricks are used. The framework of protruding columns and beams completes the articulation of the buildings.
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These flats were designed to take advantage of the open riverside location, magnificent river views and uninterrupted daylight in all directions. The Tri-star shape of each block maximises these features; each flat has a riverside facing balcony.
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There are 4 apartments per floor, plus 2 on the 7th floor. In total there are 21 two bedroom flats, 7 three bedroom flats and 2 penthouses with a total of 30 flats in each block.
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The buildings’ shape adds interest to the development, and ensures that a variety of views in all directions is captured. The flats were designed using woodblock floors in the sitting rooms and corridors.
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The ground floor entrances provide distinctive character to each block by the inclusion of an abstract mural made of mosaic, which is colour coded. There is a large full height window providing natural day light.
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A panelled wall with full height hard wood slats provides a feature wall in all the lift lobbies; from these and the main stair there are distant views over Richmond Park. Each block is served by two lifts, stopping at alternate floors.
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The Albany Riverside Company (ARC) board is aware of the architectural heritage these buildings represent and bears this in mind when considering plans for refurbishment.
