Ravenscourt Gardens, W6

'COMPLETE REFURBISHMENT AND NEW EXTENSION TO GRADE 2 LISTED SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE'.

The existing house is a two storey stucco front semi-detached villa. It is within a Conservation Area close to Ravenscourt Park and is Grade 2 listed. The house had been lived in by a couple for more than 15 years, who having retired decided it was time to upgrade. The principle change involved remodelling of the rear of the house and its relationship with the south facing garden, so that the dining area directly related to the outside space, whereas previously only the kitchen overlooked the garden. Extra internal width was achieved by extending sideways while retaining the integrity of the outdoor space. The external walls of the extension are largely glazed, but it has a solid roof punctuated by three 'sunpipes' to bring light into the centre of the room. Large folding doors open up the width of the garden extension onto a paved terrace.

The practice applied for and obtained Full Planning and Listed Building Consent for a new single storey extension, and the alterations which included a new kitchen and bathroom, a new wc and reinstating windows to their original pattern. The original brief included for some maintenance and repairs, but these had to be more extensive than originally planned due to lack of maintenance. The electrical and plumbing services were completely replaced, many walls replastered and damp-proofing treatment carried out.

The works were carried out at a time when the building industry was very overheated. The original tender process did not produce a price that was acceptable, and eventually a contract was negotiated. The owners of the property moved out during the works which took much longer than anticipated.

On completion of the contract works, the clients employed a landscape firm to redesign the garden, and some final interior finishing work was also carried out.