Author King’s Cross rental development has begun welcoming its first residents to their new homes. The highly anticipated first Build to Rent (BtR) scheme by Related Argent with 182 new homes has seen strong interest with a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments still available.

To mark the building’s completion, contemporary art gallery Sugarlift has curated a collection of artworks for the building’s amenity spaces - a bespoke commission from textile artist, Kenny Nguyen and a striking triptych from painter, Kostas Papakostas.

The amenity spaces, designed by Conran & Partners and furnished by Accouter BTR, are inspired by boutique hotels with a dedicated on-site team and concierge available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Located in the beautiful double height lobby in the entrance, the artwork titled The Threads Between Us is a bespoke commission by Vietnam-born artist, Kenny Nguyen. His ‘deconstructed paintings’ use hundreds of hand-painted silk sheets that are then manipulated on canvas for a distinctive sculptural piece. The artworks embrace the cultural significance of silk and blend it for a modern masterpiece. Reaching 8ft by 8ft, The Threads Between Us is Kenny’s first installation in London. With a vivid colour palette of red, yellow, pink and white, the work brings warmth and energy to the space.

Artist Kenny Nguyen commented: “I am delighted that my artwork is proudly displayed at Author King’s Cross. The nature of my work looks at curiosity of form, how playful and tactile we can be with the silk panels and their nuanced construction. Every artwork is a little piece of my story and my identity and how to communicate what connects us. My vision for Author was to create a source of energy for the space, to inspire people and capture the beautiful vibrancy of the location and its people.”

The second artwork is in one of Author’s residents’ lounges - an emotive triptych by London-based Kostas Papakostas. The triptych, comprised of paintings Momentum, Mirage, and Ritual offers swirls of inky green paint with expressive brushstrokes. The work forms part of Kostas’ water series with the sea as inspiration, inspired by the movement and peace in water.

Artist Kostas Papakostas said: “I have lived in London for 26 years and witnessed the striking evolution of King’s Cross. It has always been a central location for travel but its recent transformation now sees it as a cultural hub that draws people together, whilst respecting its heritage and historical elements. My artwork embraces the state of constant flow we are all in, the nature of change and finding peace with being in flex. This triptych at Author King’s Cross embodies movement and change, hopefully giving people a moment of quiet contemplation in their busy lives.”

Author King’s Cross also announced it has partnered with two award-winning hospitality brands, Daygustation Wines and Caravan Coffee, to cater for residents in the new coffee and wine bar. The partnerships are the first to be announced as part of the lifestyle amenities and curated events programme for residents.

Daygustation Wines is an independent wine shop in Wanstead founded by wine expert, wine educator and 2002 Young Wine Writer of the Year Matt Day, who has over 20 years’ experience in the wine industry. Caravan Coffee is an independent roastery with eight restaurants and three brew bars across the capital, including a restaurant in nearby Granary Square.

Matthew Day, Owner of Daygustation Wines, commented: “I am excited to be working with Author King’s Cross. The Enomatic machines allow residents to sample a diverse range of delicious wines. As an independent shop I am able to work with small, highly individual growers who make exciting and sustainable wines. Through tastings and workshops I am looking forward to getting to know the likes and dislikes of each resident, allowing me to give them the best possible advice and sell them wines they really love. When I am not on hand, each wine has a bespoke Daygustation QR code allowing residents to learn about the grapes, region and food pairing possibilities in plain English written by me.”

Dan Valenzisi, Business Development Manager at Caravan Coffee, said: “We are delighted to be providing our award-winning Daily Blend for residents at Author King’s Cross, an exceptional coffee, to be enjoyed all day. As an independent brand with our local roastery, we are passionate about bringing delicious, sustainable coffee to Londoners. With one of our restaurants located in nearby Granary Square, we have a great relationship with residents and workers in King’s Cross and we are looking forward to bringing our coffee to the newest residents of the estate.”

Michael Herrington, Director of Build-to-Rent Operations at Related Argent added: “We are delighted to officially launch Author King’s Cross and welcome our first residents into their new homes. Author King’s Cross offers a premium lifestyle in the unique location of the King’s Cross estate. The amenity spaces and attention to detail are important to the rental experience and we are delighted to display such vibrant, evocative works by two prominent artists, as well as to welcome Daygustation Wines and Caravan Coffee to the scheme.”

Related Argent has plans to deliver 3,000 BtR homes in three locations in London - King’s Cross, Tottenham Hale and Brent Cross Town.

The homes at Author King’s Cross are ready to move into now, with prices starting from £3,450 per month. For further information or to register your interest, please visit authorkingscross.com.

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