Gaisford Street

Kentish Town

London

THE PROJECT

This renovation project was in London in the suburb of Kentish Town. The dwelling was a Victorian Terrace flat on leasehold property held by the local Council and was in a row configuration with neighbours either side and one above. The dwelling was in a Conservation Area, built over a public sewer and required freeholder consent for all works. The dwelling was set over two levels with a large leafy outdoor area to the rear but with limited access from the living level on the first floor. The owners had asked advice on the purchase of a Victorian terrace flat which held some promise despite the existing condition and the listing photography.

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge with this renovation was how to open up the dark existing living and bedroom areas, provide access to the outdoor living spaces and to modernize this up to contemporary standards suitable for a young family.

THE DESIGN

The biggest change was to move the bathroom from the upstairs mid-level, to the lower levels, making a large ensuite to the master bedroom and a secondary bathroom / ensuite. An integrated laundry cupboard was also created within the left over space, which is a sought after luxury in London. The internal wall upstairs between the kitchen and living room was removed creating a unified space between the kitchen and lounge providing light from both sides of the dwelling. Windows on the upper and lower levels were elongated to floor level provide easier access from both levels to the outdoor living area.

Space was at a premium in this dwelling, so integrated joinery was a must to use all available space. A key aspect to use the space but reduce costs of bespoke joinery items was to use standardised Ikea products where possible for wardrobes, kitchens and built in joinery. In all instances the product was either integrated and finished to appear bespoke, or modified to suit the space. Storage was at a premium so all space was use to provide either shelving or cupboard areas.

THE OUTCOMES

Overall the dwelling was pulled out of a poor state into a light and airy new build with simple access to the outside. The dwelling increased in value by creating additional bathroom/ensuite, laundry, wardrobe amenity and with new fixtures, fittings, kitchens and integrated storage areas. Areas that were previously a negative, or simply weird in the property were changed to create a benefit to the spaces. All the UK specific consents and approvals were navigated despite the challenging processes involved. The clients were delighted with the outcome, especially considering the initial condition at purchase.