Residential tower in north-west London for developer Essential Living to be built for private rented market

Essential Living - Swiss Cottage - private rented sector - Grid Architects

Grid Architects has unveiled plans for one of the UK’s first purpose-built private rented sector schemes in Swiss Cottage, north-west London.

The 24-storey tower at 100 Avenue Road, developed by Essential Living, comprises 148 apartments designed specifically for renters, which will be managed by the London developer.

The scheme also includes a low-rise building above Swiss Cottage tube, as well as ground level retail and leisure space.

Essential Living is backed by M3 Capital Partners, who manage US pension fund money.

Craig Casci, director at Grid Architects, said: “What’s exciting about Essential Living is that we’re designing a new type of product.

“These are homes designed purely for renting and the way people interact with the buildings will be thought of holistically. “This means the ‘home’ begins at the door of the building not at the door of the apartment. 

“There’s a high focus on communal areas and on ensuring the ground level commercial space creates a dynamic sense of community.

“Best of all, rather than being penthouse flats, the top floor are used for shared amenity space for residents.”

Essential Living - Swiss Cottage - private rented sector - Grid Architects

Essential Living - Swiss Cottage - private rented sector - Grid Architects