Canary Wharf Group has launched the penthouses on level 56 of One Park Drive in Wood Wharf E14.

Designed by Pritzker-prize-winning practice Herzog & de Meuron and with interior dressing and furnishing by Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio, the duplex apartments are the most exclusive homes ever built on the Canary Wharf estate.

These extraordinary residences, which range in size from 1,637 to 3,904 sq ft and have custom designs, explore the various, unexpected methods of living at the top of a tall structure and redefine the whole idea of traditional penthouse living.

By favouring the creation of duplex penthouse apartments instead of single-storey homes, Herzog & de Meuron has removed the idea of absolute exclusivity – normally a penthouse encourages the resident to look outward, but at One Park Drive, Herzog & de Meuron’s designs invite residents to also look inward.

Curved, sculpted staircases that support the surrounding living areas are one of the many distinctive characteristics seen throughout the flats.

Designed by Herzog & de Meuron and structural engineers AKT, together they have achieved precise, sinuous geometries, and in turn, the staircases represent a remarkable feat of engineering and act as a centrepiece to the residences.

Each apartment also features hidden internal courtyard gardens that provide residents with a unique outside space sheltered from the surrounding height of the building, contrasting with the sweeping panoramic views enjoyed from external balconies.

To complement Herzog & de Meuron’s architectural approach, Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio has created its own immersive interior design concept for the penthouses – the ‘Home of the Collector’.

Many of these pieces have been custom-made by Tom Dixon himself, including ceramics, sculptures and wall-hung artworks. The pieces created for each space reflect the materials and processes that have been present in Dixon's professional works for many years, such as welded metal constructions, roughly carved or scrap wood, and ceramic shape-making, which are transformed into works of art.

Design Research Studio also incorporated other fittings and fixtures from other design masters, including lights by Alvar Aalto and Ingo Maurer, chairs by Verner Panton and Tobia Scarpa, an exceptional piano by Poul Henningsen and a one-off desk by Belgian Architect Frans Vossen.

John O’Mara, UK Studio Director at Herzog & de Meuron, commented: “At One Park Drive we asked ourselves the question ‘how would one feel about living on the 56th floor?’ In a penthouse, one is typically always looking outward, whether from the living areas or balconies along the façade. Here, we are suggesting that one can also look inward – a quiet, calm inner courtyard acts as a kind of ‘back garden’. The sequences and relationships between the interior and exterior spaces are key qualities of these penthouse apartments.”

Tom Dixon, from Design Research Studio, added: “We decided to imagine the spaces through the persona of an international collector, a lover of architecture and travel that has decided to make their home in London and has curated, over time, a selection of extraordinary objects, art and furniture.

“Each room has been meticulously curated – we wanted every single object to feel as if it has been made specifically for this space or that it has been carefully selected for it. It should feel personal, convincing, compelling and aspirational – we didn’t want to design a typical luxury apartment. The beautiful, fluid spaces feature high ceilings and large expanses of wall and window and the artworks create the sense of a private gallery. But there is of course an element of practicality, with seating where you might want to enjoy the impressive views.”

Brian De’ath, Managing Director of Residential Sales at Canary Wharf Group, said: “Combining the architectural flair of Herzog & de Meuron and the design creativity of Design Research Studio, the One Park Drive penthouses are the pinnacle – both literally and metaphorically – of living on the Canary Wharf Estate. Residents will enjoy the spectacular living spaces, designed by some of the keenest and most exciting minds in architecture and design, whilst their view of London stretches out before them.”

One Park Drive comprises 484 apartments in total. The building offers state-of-the-art amenities designed by GA Design, including a sophisticated entrance lobby with 24-hour concierge, 18-seat cinema room with private bar area, library and lounge on the ground floor.

The penthouses are priced from £3,950,000. For more information or to book a private tour of the show apartments contact Canary Wharf Group.