Wardian London, the residential-led development situated adjacent to Canary Wharf comprising two towers of 55 and 50-storeys, today launches The Observatory: a botanically-inspired sky bar and lounge located on the 53rd floor, offering breath-taking views across the capital.

One of the highest bars in London, The Observatory has floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides to flood the space with natural light and showcase the never-before-seen panoramic views of the iconic London landscape. Featuring stylish and comfortable lounge and dining spaces, as well as a wrap-around balcony and fully equipped bar and kitchen, this exclusive resident-only hideout is the perfect space to relax, work, eat and drink among the clouds, enhancing the ‘outside-in’ ethos which underpins the development.

Developed by EcoWorld Ballymore and designed by Glenn Howells Architects, Wardian overlooks South Quay in London’s Docklands and is a striking new addition to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.  Offering a serene escape from the urban density below, The Observatory at Wardian is inspired by exotic botanicals, integrating indoor and outdoor living. The Observatory features tropical flowers, plants and trees from around the world, with an enclosed glass plant house entrance at its core, evoking a botanical collector’s den.

A world first in housing design, Wardian contains 767 homes including suites, one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Instantly recognisable by their generous wrap-around balconies and slender profiles, the towers house a grand lobby, 25-metre open air swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym and wellness facilities, with restaurant and retail outlets due to open this year.

Garnering inspiration from the Wardian glass case, which facilitated the transportation of tea plants across the globe, and the subsequent transformation of London’s Docklands into the commercial hub we know today, Wardian’s luxury suites, apartments and penthouses provide an oasis of calm for residents looking to create their very own botanical living space. With more than a hundred different species of exotic plants from across the world, Wardian reflects the botanic palm houses of Kew Gardens and the Barbican, creating a tranquil oasis home environment.

The mental and physical health benefits of biophilic design and green spaces are being increasingly recognised in the modern age, and Wardian is a unique gem in one of the capital’s most cosmopolitan and commercial areas of Canary Wharf. With its very own indoor and outdoor landscaping service tailored to fit residents’ lifestyles, ‘The Gardener’ offers seasonal plant packages and comprehensive garden maintenance to maximise the floral variety of each apartment.  It also brings the exceptionally uncommon Wollemi pine as well as a collection of over 100 species of other succulents, rare plants, trees and flowers to The Observatory and other public spaces across the development.

Following its launch, The Observatory will host a carefully-curated rolling programme of events throughout the year, designed to reflect residents’ interests, including wine tastings, game nights, summer parties and floristry classes. Studio apartments at Wardian start from £516,000, with one bed apartments starting from £765,000, two bed apartments starting from £1,050,000 and penthouses from £1,850,000.

This month The Penthouses are unveiled: a collection of luxury duplex apartments commanding breath-taking views of the London skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private wrap-around sky garden create a seamless transition from interior to exterior, and flood the penthouses with natural light, providing the perfect space for entertaining and unwinding. Sanctuaries of quiet luxury, five penthouses are available now and start from £1,850,000.

Also launching at Wardian are the first commercial tenants, Botanical Boys, who are due to open the doors to their new plant store in early March and continue their mission of connecting people with nature. Offering popular terrarium masterclasses and selling a wide range of indoor plants, stylish pots and interior design treasures, Botanical Boys are following the success of their first store in Coal Drops Yard; they will also offer Wardian residents on-site assistance with their sky garden designs and give advice on plant care. In April they will be joined by Espresso Room, a soulful neighbourhood coffee shop serving specialty coffee and freshly-made food at Wardian.