In the 1930s the Isokon building embodied the modern ideal of city living and was intended as a social and architectural experiment in minimalist urban living ... 70 years on and our conversion has once again brought the Isokon building to the forefront of modern living.
On the evening of Wednesday 27 July, guests from Isokon's past, present and future gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of this iconic building.
Guests enjoying canapés and drinks at the Isokon launch
Isokon's history is as dramatic as its design. Wednesday's event celebrated the tenacity and creativity of those determined few who turned the delapidated building into beatutiful homes for key workers.
Spinning a tune for Granddad
Held in what is now an exhibition space, guests enjoyed the sounds of 1930's jazz and some ambient tunes from guest DJ Matt Black (Ninja Tune). Matthew's grandfather, Well Coates, originally designed Isokon along with Jack and Molly Pritchard.
DJ Matt Black (right) chats with a guest
Award winning design
The building has won many awards, and was the backdrop for John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor Gordon Brown to launch their "Extending Home Ownership" initiative; a joint Treasury/ Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) document outlining Government plans for simpler, fairer home ownership.
Lord Sawyer of Darlington releases some balloons to celebrate the re-opening of the Isokon building
Kate Davies Chief Executive of Notting Hill Housing Group is delighted about Isokon for many reasons:
"Keyworkers are the backbone of London and yet they are priced out of the housing market. At Isokon we have enabled keyworkers not only to get a step on the property ladder close to where they work but also to live in a work of art."