For our latest West London project with Hodgkinson Design, the brief was multi-faceted. Extend the property to maximise space for a beautiful modern family home and create peaceful city living by reducing the regular rattle and hum from passing buses.
The architect’s design included exciting new spaces to complement and juxtapose the existing Victorian property. This meant demolishing an existing two-storey extension at the rear of the property to create a new extension, along with a single storey extension to the side of the building and excavation of a new basement. Internally, it was a total back to brick restoration and refurbishment with acoustic elements.
However, when we started the strip-out, it was clear there was more to the nuisance noise than rumbling buses. Neither of the two chimneys or upper floorboards were tied in properly. We discovered that the earlier double height rear extension had some concerning structural issues too which meant when buses went past, the whole house moved and shook, causing noise and worsening the structural fragility.
It goes to show how important it is to uncover the cause of problems instead of treating the symptoms. And to always be prepared when working in period properties! By properly repairing and addressing these issues, we solved the vibration issues without needing the proposed costly acoustic trench.
Working alongside Symmetrys structural engineers and Carnell Warren M&E consultants, we have created a home that celebrates both its Victorian heritage and embraces modern innovation. Element 7’s herringbone parquet flooring, timber wall panelling, and classic architraves honour the building’s history, along with Locker and Riley’s decorative plasterwork. The new Roundhouse kitchen serves as a modern heart of the home, and the primary bathroom showcases stunning Salvatori Italian stone. The extensions introduce contemporary elements like shadow gaps, polished concrete floors, and Crittall glazing – balancing old and new styles.
The project fully embraces modernity with All Square lighting and AV systems that work seamlessly with the Thinking Bricks home automation. Air source heat pumps power the underfloor heating, water heating, and air conditioning.
We installed a sophisticated BASWA acoustic system – using hemp and recycled materials – creating a remarkably peaceful area in the expansive family room despite all its hard surfaces. Combined with acoustic glazing, it’s now a space that feels far away from the bustling city.
Outside, we completed the home transformation with new hard landscaping, driveway and a garden office that expands the property’s functionality.
This project shows what’s possible when thoughtful design meets careful execution. Working tightly with the entire project team, together we’ve created a stunning home that showcases its heritage while incorporating the latest technology and construction techniques. So, it’s now perfectly suited to modern family life.
