The Briefing
Located on St George’s Drive within the Pimlico Conservation Area in the City of London, this two-storey residence required substantial remodelling to meet contemporary living standards. A key challenge was the integration of three original Victorian coal vaults at basement level, which were structurally separate from the main accommodation and underutilised.

The project also required careful navigation of Planning and Listed Building Consent, including approval for air conditioning and the preparation of an acoustic report to satisfy conservation and environmental requirements.

 

The Solution
We developed a coordinated architectural and structural strategy to seamlessly connect the ground and basement levels, incorporating the three historic vaults into the main living envelope of the flat.

 

The vaults were repurposed as:

 

• Utility and laundry room

• Walk-in wardrobe

• Master bathroom

 

In addition, we secured planning approval for a contemporary rear glazed extension “winter garden”, introducing natural light into the master bedroom while respecting the conservation setting.

All works were carefully detailed to preserve the historic fabric while delivering high-quality modern living spaces.

 

The Value Created
By unlocking previously redundant subterranean volume, the project significantly increased the functional floor area and overall market value of the property. The integration of the vaults transformed the spatial quality of the flat while enhancing its architectural character.

Through strategic planning management, heritage sensitivity, and technical coordination, the project demonstrates how carefully considered interventions can unlock hidden potential within listed Victorian buildings.