Robert Sterns 2bn Mayfair mega-flats scheme tops out
Block being developed by founder of Phones 4u prices has homes with prices starting at 35mAerial view of the 1 Mayfair site, which has celebrated a topping out ceremonyThe building's 'crystal hall'The building's proposed entrance hallHand painted frescos on the ceiling of the main entrance rotundaHow the building will look when finished1/7show captionHousing developer Caudwell has topped out a 2bn scheme in Mayfair designed by Robert Stern that is being billed as the most luxurious residential development in the world.The 1 Mayfair scheme takes up half a city block in the prime central London neighbourhood but will contain just 24 homes, with prices starting at 35m.Construction of the schemes superstructure and 27 metre-deep basement has now been completed by Careys, with full completion expected for spring 2026.Once complete, it will offer residents five-star hotel-style services including a concierge, valet parking, 24-hour security, a health spa and a 20 metre swimming pool.Its homes are a mix of townhouses, penthouses and apartments set around a central garden, with the building containing numerous entertainment spaces, lounges and an entrance rotunda with a hand-painted fresco ceiling.Residents will also have use of a crystal gallery containing more than a thousand cast-glass pieces which is intended as a contemporary take on the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.John Caudwell, the founder of Caudwell Group, said the schemes topping out marked the advanced stage of construction for a project which will be timeless in terms of its architecture, design and build quality, setting a benchmark for London living and luxury design for centuries to come.Caudwell, who founded phone retailer Phones 4u and is now estimated to be worth around 1.6bn, gave the Conservative party 500,000 before the 2019 general election but switched his support to Labour this year, saying that he saw a party under Keir Starmer that was committed to GDP growth.Sterns practiceRobert A. M. Stern Architects is based in New York and has completed numerous large towers in the city designed in the New Classical style, including the 35-storey 15 Central Park West and the 54-storey 520 Park Avenue.John Caudwell, third from left, pictured with members of the 1 Mayfair project team