listed heritage-166_SinglePages - Flipbook - Page 69
distinguished from the historic structure by a
structural glass roof, the junction between old
and new remaining visually light and legible.
This modest addition, together with minor
alterations to internal wall openings, has
transformed the character of the rooms at this
level. Natural light now reaches deep into the
plan, and the relationship between interior and
exterior has been markedly improved, making
the space far more usable for everyday family
life.
For listed property owners, this aspect
of the project is particularly instructive: it
demonstrates how limited, well-designed
extensions — clearly subordinate to the
original building — can deliver substantial
improvements without compromising heritage
value.
REFURBISHMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL
FLOORS
The works extended beyond the basement
to include the refurbishment of the ground
昀氀oor reception rooms and the bedrooms and
bathrooms on the upper 昀氀oors. Here, the
emphasis was on repair, enhancement and
coordination rather than wholesale change,
including the detailed design and speci昀椀cation
of bespoke interior joinery, which ensured
that new elements were appropriate in scale,
material and detailing.
The architects also worked closely with an
interior designer appointed by the client,
coordinating 昀椀nishes, 昀椀xtures and 昀椀ttings to
achieve a cohesive result.
of this approach was that the roof repairs
could be carried out, preventing ongoing water
damage to the existing fabric and making the
building weatherproof, during the post-tender
negotiation stage for the main works.
This collaborative approach helped ensure that
the refurbished interiors feel comfortable and
contemporary, while remaining sympathetic to
the house’s historic character — a balance that
many owners of listed homes strive to achieve.
Close liaison with the Contractor ensured
that works were carried out with appropriate
care, supported by a wider consultant team
experienced in working with historic buildings.
NAVIGATING THE PLANNING AND
CONSENT PROCESS
LESSONS FOR LISTED PROPERTY
OWNERS
As a Grade II listed building, the house required
both planning permission and listed building
consent. A detailed application was prepared,
supported by historical analysis and a clear
explanation of how the proposals would
preserve and enhance the building’s signi昀椀cance.
The completed project in Holland Street offers
a clear message for owners of listed homes:
meaningful improvement does not require
dramatic change. Through careful analysis,
modest intervention and rigorous attention to
detail, it is possible to adapt historic buildings for
modern living while protecting their long-term
signi昀椀cance.
Particular scrutiny was applied by the Royal
Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC)
to the design of the rear extension and the
replacement of the external front steps.
Through careful negotiation and re昀椀nement,
consent was ultimately secured, underlining the
importance of early engagement and a wellreasoned conservation case.
In this case, the result is a brighter, more
comfortable family home that remains
昀椀rmly rooted in its historic context —
a 昀椀tting example of thoughtful stewardship
in practice.
FROM DESIGN TO DELIVERY
The building works were delivered under two
separate contracts: one for the renewal of the
main roof, and a second covering the extension
and refurbishment of the house. The advantage
Haines Phillips Architects
0207 833 9324
www.hainesphillips.co.uk
Listed Heritage Magazine May/June 2026
69
