Wardian’s luxury high-rise apartments in London’s Canary Wharf offer residents a unique chance to enjoy the benefits of nature and stunning views
Amid the glistening skyscrapers and waterways of Canary Wharf’s South Dock stand two gleaming towers that are at once part of the iconic landscape but also a calming retreat from the hectic city life that goes alongside it.
Developed by the award-winning EcoWorld Ballymore and designed by Glenn Howells Architects, at the heart of the 50- and 55-storey Wardian towers is something of a contradiction – a desire to experience Canary Wharf’s breathtaking skyline and world-class amenities, yet also to connect with nature and unwind from the busy cityscape below.
Biophilia: A celebration of the natural world
Inspired by botanist and explorer Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, who in the 19th century pioneered the use of ‘Wardian cases’ to transport tea plants across the globe, ensuring their health and vibrancy on long ship journeys, designers have drawn on the concept of biophilia to craft a calming oasis of plant life at the Wardian, while also honouring the Docklands’ rich maritime history.
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An ‘outside-in’ philosophy permeates Wardian’s spaces, with the apartments constructed using delicate, earthy materials while drawing on patterns which appear organically in nature. Each of the 767 apartments features its own ‘sky garden’, where residents can tend to their rare succulents and enjoy breathtaking views.
On entering the lobby, where Wardian’s two stylish towers meet, residents are greeted by a garden sanctuary of exotic plants – 100 species from all parts of the globe, sustainably curated by botanists.
‘Wardian’s strikingly clear architectural expression, carried through into the interior spaces as one continuous piece of design, allows residents and visitors to enjoy a series of dramatic and immersive spaces with abundant views of nature and the surrounding townscape,’ says Will Poole of Glenn Howells Architects. ‘A central idea was to connect people with nature and outside space.’
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EcoWorld Ballymore collaborated with Dr Mike Rogerson and Professor Jules Pretty OBE of the University of Essex to study the calming properties of green living. Using a Kew-inspired pop-up greenhouse, the team found that three-quarters of people reported improved mood and wellbeing once immersed in a natural setting.
The Wardian Club: A community with world-class amenities
A series of greenhouses are dotted throughout, with exotic plants surrounding the 25-metre athletic swimming pool, part of the wider Wardian Club, which offers luxurious spa facilities including a plunge pool, sauna room and extensive exercise studios for all residents.
A cinema room offers a programme of film showings put together by the Wardian’s residents’ team. Along with an elegant kitchen and club lounge to entertain friends, the cinemas can be booked out by residents for private screenings. Meanwhile, meeting rooms offer high-speed, complimentary Wi-Fi and comfortable seating areas.
On the 53rd floor, residents can find The Observatory, the jewel in the Wardian’s crown, entered through a greenhouse of tropical plants. Hosting one of London’s highest cocktail bars, The Observatory offers panoramic views from its wrap-around balcony, where residents can savour cocktails or attend events on top of London’s skyline, with Jo Malone recently giving a private talk.
The Wardian Club has created a sense of community. ‘In a luxury, high-rise development at the heart of London’s financial district, you wouldn’t expect to find such an established community – but Wardian is different,’ says Eloise Solari, who heads sales for Wardian. ‘The Concierge team build strong relationships with everyone who calls Wardian home. There is an exciting programme of events for residents; The Observatory hosts black-tie casino nights, while the cinema runs a variety of screenings.’
Early 2023 will see the opening of the Espresso Room on the ground floor, serving speciality Italian coffees and offering a vibrant space for residents to spend time together.
Five ultra-luxe penthouses with breathtaking views
With more than 90 per cent of the Wardian’s apartments now sold, EcoWorld Ballymore recently unveiled a collection of five rare penthouses at the apex of the two skyscrapers – duplexes with dual-aspect balconies where HNWs can revel in breathtaking views of the Thames, stretching all the way from Canary Wharf to west London.
Available from £1,850,000, Wardian penthouses have generous ceiling heights and floor-to-ceiling windows, and offer some of the capital’s most alluring riverside views. One-bed apartments are on offer for £755,000, with two-beds from £,1,050,000.
‘Wardian offers outstanding connectivity, with access to the new Elizabeth Line just moments away, as well as the Jubilee line and DLR. There are fantastic restaurants and a vibrant lifestyle on your doorstep, and yet when you come home to Wardian, it’s a sanctuary of peace,’ says Solari. ‘This is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Canary Wharf’.
With exceptional amenities and homes lovingly looked after by a thoughtful concierge team, and calming, nature-inspired interiors, residents could be forgiven for occasionally forgetting about the outside world altogether.
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