Our clients purchased this five-storey, mid-terrace Georgian house at auction. Previously divided into bedsits and left in a dilapidated condition, it required a full restoration and deep
retrofit to become a warm, comfortable and low-energy family home.
Restoration Brief
This Grade II listed property, located in Tredegar Square, Bow E3, sits within a conservation area. Historic subdivision had compromised both the layout and the character of the house. Our brief was to reinstate the building as a single-family home, enhancing thermal comfort and performance while celebrating its Georgian heritage.
Sustainable Refurbishment
Working within the constraints of a listed building and conservation area, we designed a low-energy refurbishment that significantly improves thermal performance without harming historic fabric. We introduced internal wall and roof insulation throughout.
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Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) now provides continuous fresh, filtered air and recovers heat that would otherwise be lost. This reduces heating demand, improves indoor air quality and ensures consistent thermal comfort across all five storeys.
Fossil Fuel Free
The house is now entirely fossil fuel free. An air source heat pump in the rear garden serves the underfloor heating system, delivering efficient, steady warmth throughout the home. Solar panels on the roof assist with hot water generation, further reducing operational energy use.
The property also incorporates rainwater recycling, helping to cut mains water consumption and supporting a more sustainable pattern of urban living.
Minimising Embodied Carbon
A key aim of the project was to minimise embodied energy. We avoided major structural alterations and extensions, instead retaining and upgrading as much of the existing structure as possible. This approach reduced waste, limited the need for new materials and preserved the character of the original Georgian house.
The protected status of the building aligned with this strategy: original materials, including external stone paving and internal timber floor finishes, were carefully retained and restored wherever possible
Natural Finishes
A combination of clay and lime plaster finishes was used internally, creating a palette of natural, warm tones while contributing to airtightness and moisture control. These breathable plasters work sympathetically with the historic fabric and support a healthy internal environment.
Where glazing was non-original, we were able to upgrade to high-performance, heritage-style sashes, improving thermal and acoustic performance. Where windows were original, they were carefully retained and enhanced with discreet secondary glazing, balancing energy efficiency with conservation requirements.
Contact us to discuss your planned extension or renovation of a listed property in London.
Project Information
Project Architect:
Becky Wootton, Titas Grikevičius
Location:
Tredegar Square, Bow E3
Photographer:
Christian Brailey