These days our projects tend to be larger, but we could not resist taking on this reconstruction of a mews house in Holland Park. Partly because we knew it would be so satisfying to engineer such a radical transformation, and partly because of the instant chemistry with our client.
The existing house was of 1950s construction, completely devoid of any charm – and in fact lacking any positive qualities, with the exception of its location.
The larger part of the building has been taken down, leaving just the three walls, at the sides and rear, and rebuilt with a new basement storey and entirely new front elevation.
We are entirely unembarrassed to have created a ‘Georgian’ pastiche, which sits comfortably and elegantly with its neighbours at either end of the street. However appearances can be deceptive and the traditional ‘dressing’ conceals a structure which has been formed using the best modern technologies and materials, and will be highly energy efficient.
For instance the black façade – which will eventually be finished in a natural lime render – is formed in ‘Foamglas’ blocks. Foamglas is recycled cellular glass – put simply, glass with lots of air bubbles in it – which is lightweight and strong, highly insulating, completely stable, waterproof, vapour tight, vermin and acid resistant, fire-proof, non-toxic, recyclable and very long-lived. What’s not to like?
