Ladbroke Grove extension

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Ladbroke Grove Extension, Cornwall Crescent, W11

Architecture for London has submitted a planning application for a contemporary rear extension and full refurbishment to a lower-ground-floor flat on Cornwall Crescent, Ladbroke Grove, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The project transforms a leasehold garden flat into a light-filled home with a generous kitchen and dining space that connects directly to the garden.

Project overview

The existing flat currently comprises a series of smaller, enclosed rooms with limited natural light and a weak connection to the rear garden. Our proposal reorganises the layout to create a flexible open-plan kitchen, dining and living space for entertaining and for daily life.

The new rear extension increases internal floor area, adding significant value in this desirable Kensington location. It also provides a more practical, contemporary layout for modern living while responding to the constraints of a lower-ground-floor property.

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Rear extension and glazed courtyard

To the rear, a new brick extension accommodates the primary kitchen and dining area. Between the extension and the existing building, we will introduce a glazed courtyard that:

• Brings daylight and fresh air into the rear bedroom

• Creates long garden views through the depth of the plan

• Provides a quiet, private outdoor space at lower-ground level

Full-height sliding glass doors open from the extension directly onto the garden, reinforcing the connection between inside and outside and making the main living space feel larger and brighter.

Materials and architectural character

Our residential architects designed the extension to be finished in brick externally, chosen to complement the character of the Ladbroke estate. The brickwork is carefully detailed to sit comfortably alongside the neighbouring Victorian terrace, while the large sliding glass doors and slim framing give the rear elevation a contemporary character.

The glazed courtyard uses minimal framing to maximise transparency and daylight penetration. Internally, a simple material palette is proposed to emphasise natural light, views to the garden and a sense of calm.

Historic context: Ladbroke Grove and Cornwall Crescent

The property is situated on the historic Ladbroke estate, developed from the 1860s. The original houses in this part of Ladbroke Grove are typically three storeys above ground, constructed in London stock brick, with pillared porches and pronounced stucco ornamentation around windows and entrances.

Our design for Cornwall Crescent respects this established character. The new rear extension is modestly scaled and positioned discreetly behind the main terrace, preserving the appearance of the street while significantly improving the quality of accommodation at lower-ground level.

Planning, conservation and neighbours

Located within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and forming part of the historic Ladbroke estate, the scheme has been carefully developed with planning and conservation considerations in mind.

The extension has been designed to protect neighbouring amenity, avoid overlooking and preserve the character and appearance of the local conservation area. Its scale, massing and materiality follow local guidance for basement and rear extension design within Kensington and Chelsea.

Ladbroke Grove Project information:

Residential project architect: Gerard Rainey

Location: Cornwall Crescent, Ladbroke Grove, Kensington & Chelsea W11

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