Merging two listed properties

Built in the 1860s, this former set of townhouses was converted into apartments in the mid-20th century. We undertook an optioneering exercise to come up with the resulting scheme, which was a complex operation that required careful relocation of services, repairing and conserving the building fabric, and creating a new window to the rear of the building. We led negotiations with both the freeholder (for licence to alter) and the local authority to secure planning and subsequently delivered a highly complex refurbishment to enable a seamlessly connected home.

Laterally uniting the two apartments that span three townhouses presented particular challenges, especially as the proposal involved forming large structural openings between the principal front rooms. This required the inspection, tracing, and sensitive diversion of chimney flues and service pipes serving the apartments above and below. The works also entailed carefully engineered structural interventions to support the revised layout without compromising the historic fabric.

Period features, contemporary living

The existing properties featured a tired 1980s décor that our client wished to modernise while retaining historic features. We worked alongside David Kleinberg Design Associates, a New York City-based interior design studio, to create a unique contemporary living environment within a heritage setting.

The scheme features beautifully restored historic elements, including Baroque-style cornices and ceiling decorations, reinstated antique fireplaces, new oak parquet flooring, and fully refurbished French windows and sash windows with discreet secondary glazing. An acoustically treated air conditioning system was discreetly installed to provide effective cooling without compromising the character of the space.