Westminster House
This elegant 1830s Grade II listed Georgian house in Westminster (W2) is situated within the Bayswater Conservation Area.
The client’s brief called for a palette of contrasting monochrome tones throughout the heritage property. To achieve this aesthetic, our architects specified a range of exquisite, hand-applied finishes. These include black ebonised oak, black dyed leather, black patinated steelwork, and raw lime plaster—all directly inspired by the client’s collection of minimalist Japanese furniture.
The ground floor was entirely reconfigured to provide a formal dining space, complete with a frameless picture window that overlooks the lower-level rear garden.
The client’s brief called for a palette of contrasting monochrome tones throughout the heritage property. To achieve this aesthetic, our architects specified a range of exquisite, hand-applied finishes. These include black ebonised oak, black dyed leather, black patinated steelwork, and raw lime plaster—all directly inspired by the client’s collection of minimalist Japanese furniture.
Contemporary Extensions
To enable the client to work from home more comfortably, an outdated single-glazed conservatory on the first floor was replaced with a contemporary extension, creating a new oak-lined study. Furthermore, a new extension at the basement level was constructed to provide a luxurious guest suite.The ground floor was entirely reconfigured to provide a formal dining space, complete with a frameless picture window that overlooks the lower-level rear garden.
Interior Refurbishment
The kitchen was strategically relocated to the front reception room, taking full advantage of the generous Georgian ceiling heights and the abundance of natural light from the dual-aspect sash windows.moreIn the basement, a dedicated cinema room features bespoke blackened oak joinery and custom furniture. The house was completely rewired with a sophisticated AV and IT system, featuring integrated concealed speakers and digital lighting controls in every room.
Sustainability
High-performance, ultra-thin Aerogel insulation was used to line the external masonry walls. This advanced technology dramatically improves the home’s thermal performance and energy efficiency while perfectly preserving the ornate Georgian decorative features.Garden Design
The seamless connection between inside and out is enhanced by a lightly honed black volcanic rock floor that continues from the interior living spaces directly out into the external lightwell and terraces above. These terraces, along with the external stair, are lined with blackened, pre-patinated steel balustrades and bespoke planters.A unique feature of the garden design is “Fort Albion”, a custom playhouse designed by us in close collaboration with the client’s four-year-old son. Nestled within the climbing plants, the fort features a drawbridge, arrow slots, crenels, and a secret trap door. All external timber for the fort is crafted from durable Siberian Larch, carefully chosen to weather and silver naturally over time.
Contact us if you are planning to renovate a Grade II listed property or extend a home in a Westminster conservation area.
Project Information
Project Architect:Matt McKenna, Christian Brailey
Structural Engineer:
Abstruct
Location:
Albion Street, Westminster W2
