In 1995 Johnny Sandelson contacted ORMS Architecture Design on a 30,000 sq. ft. conversion of a former Late-Victorian Board School in Highgate Hill, Islington to form 23 double-height apartments.
The double-height flats were created with sculptural mezzanine walls and strong warm colours. The scheme made the most of views over London with a new penthouse apartment in a sensitive planning context.
Each apartment required sensitive restoration as contemporary designs were thoughtfully introduced.
The scheme was driven by a desire to establish a memorable identity and to market a lifestyle. The flats were branded ‘The Highgate Academy’.
It introduced the concept of ‘loft living’ to Central London and established a quality of apartment in outer areas of North London which had seldom been seen before. The Highgate Academy was recognised by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) with a Housing Project Award for its potential excellence.