From Tuareg to Terrace: A Rooftop Tale of Texture and Tradition
Kensington Roof Gardens - London
Project overview
Nestled above the skyline of Kensington High Street, the historic Kensington Roof Gardens has long been a sanctuary of botanical elegance and London glamour. This storied venue—once home to flamingos and extravagant soirées—is undergoing a refined renaissance, pairing its rich heritage with striking new design. And at the heart of this evolution lies a pair of bespoke creations we at London House Rugs are particularly proud of: two handwoven rugs, tailored specifically for this exceptional space.
A Heritage of Craft Meets a Landmark of Culture
For the central dining area beneath the glass canopy, we reinterpreted the iconic Taureg mat through a contemporary lens. Traditionally crafted by the nomadic Tuareg people of North and West Africa, these rugs are known for their bold geometry and utilitarian spirit. Our version was handwoven from recycled PET fibres—a sustainable material derived from repurposed plastic bottles. This choice offered two key benefits: durability in a semi-outdoor space, and an environmentally friendly footprint.
Despite being made from plastic, the rug has a remarkably wool-like feel, offering softness underfoot while standing up to moisture, spills, and UV exposure. Its pattern—woven in a gentle interplay of ecru, driftwood and charcoal—creates a subtle framework around planters, banquettes, and dining tables, anchoring the space with understated structure.
To navigate the intricate layout, our specialist installation team laid the rug using premium underlay, hand-cut around mature olive trees and architectural features, and rewhipped all raw edges for a clean, seamless finish.
All of this was delivered—concept to completion—in just six weeks.
The Main Rug: A Contemporary Take on the Taureg Tradition
Kensington Roof Gardens isn’t just any rooftop. Originally opened in the 1930s and famed for its Spanish garden, Tudor garden, and English woodland, it has hosted everything from royal receptions to rock star parties. The venue’s recent transformation into an upscale hospitality haven demanded furnishings that spoke to its layered character—natural yet contemporary, tactile yet durable, and always with a whisper of worldliness.
Our rugs—each unique in tone and texture—bring warmth, zoning, and tactility to the open-air elegance of the garden rooms, all while meeting the practical demands of a busy hospitality setting.
The Fire Rug: A Grounding Element of Earth and Warmth
In another corner of the garden, in front of a carved stone fireplace, a second bespoke rug creates a quiet moment of earthy intimacy. This rug, also handwoven from PET fibres, features a flatweave construction with a classic herringbone design. The colour palette is slightly deeper than the main rug—a moody blend of earthy browns and muted greys that complement the fireplace’s stonework and surrounding greenery.
It’s a small but powerful design gesture: one that visually and emotionally grounds the seating area. As the fire crackles in the hearth and guests settle into curved banquettes under blankets, the herringbone rug offers both physical and atmospheric warmth.
Like its larger counterpart, this piece benefits from PET’s easy-clean practicality and impressive durability, making it ideal for outdoor hospitality environments without compromising on texture or elegance.
What sets us apart is more than our eye for design—it’s our comprehensive, on-site service. Our rugs are not only beautifully made; they are intelligently installed. Whether working around stone fountains, mature trees, or tiered seating, we understand how to work with architectural complexity.
We offer:- Fully bespoke design service
- Handwoven rugs in sustainable materials including PET
- Expert measurement and layout planning
- On-site installation with edge finishing and underlay fitting
- Rapid turnaround times on custom projects
These rugs now laid at Kensington Roof Gardens are more than floor coverings—they are the culmination of tradition, innovation, and precision. They soften the space, define zones, and provide a tactile undercurrent to each drink poured, dish served, and conversation shared.
They feel timeless, tailored, and entirely at home in this rooftop sanctuary.
Are you designing a space that calls for something extraordinary underfoot? Let London House Rugs bring craftsmanship, sustainability, and tailored service to your next project.
