Barnes House 02
Project Particulars
- Project
- Barnes House 02
- Clients
- Private
- Local Authority
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- Size
- 134m²
- Construction Cost
- Confidential
Project Team
- Architects
- Phillips Tracey Architects
- Structural Engineer
- Super Structures Associates
- Interiors
- Phillips Tracey Architects & Client
- Photographer
- Jack Hobhouse
Located on a prominent corner within the Barnes Conservation Area in the London Borough of Richmond, Barnes House 02 is the extension, alteration and complete refurbishment of a Victorian two-story maisonette. The project transforms a tired and poorly adapted home into a light-filled contemporary family residence while carefully respecting the character and architectural quality of its historic setting.
Barnes House 02 demonstrates how thoughtful contemporary design can successfully transform a historic property within a Conservation Area creating a sustainable, light-filled family home that respects its context while significantly improving the quality of everyday living.
A key principle of the scheme was to preserve the legibility of the original Victorian building. The single-storey extension is deliberately separated from the existing house by a small courtyard, allowing the original rear facade to remain visible while continuing to bring natural light into the home.
This courtyard creates a valuable transition between old and new, offering dual-aspect views, improving daylight levels and establishing a strong connection between the living spaces and the garden.
The two-storey extension replaces a poor-quality structure with a robust brick-built addition that reflects the scale, proportions and material character of the original property. Together, the extensions provide family accommodation and a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space.
At the heart of the project is a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area designed around natural light and connections to the outdoors.
Large sliding doors open onto both the courtyard and rear garden, creating a series of informal thresholds that blur the boundaries between inside and out. The courtyard also ensures daylight continues to reach existing rooms while providing a sheltered outdoor space.
Internally, the architecture is honestly expressed, with exposed steelwork, original brick walls and carefully considered volumes reflecting the form of the new structure. The result is a contemporary yet characterful home that celebrates both Victorian heritage and modern interventions.
Materials were carefully selected to create a dialogue between old and new. Traditional yellow stock brick reflects the Victorian house, while zinc detailing and contemporary glazing introduce a modern architectural language. Together they create a timeless extension rather than a trend-led addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you add contemporary architecture to a Victorian home without losing its character?
The key was understanding what made the original building special. Rather than competing with the Victorian architecture, the new extensions were designed to complement it through scale, proportion and materiality. Matching yellow stock brickwork, carefully detailed openings and a restrained palette allow the new additions to feel contemporary while remaining sympathetic to the Conservation Area.
Why was a courtyard introduced into the design?
The courtyard became one of the most important elements of the project. It allows the original rear wall of the house to remain visible, brings natural light into both old and new spaces, and creates a unique relationship between the kitchen, garden and existing rooms. It acts as both lightwell and a sheltered outdoor room.
What was the biggest design challenge?
Creating additional space without compromising neighbouring properties or the character of the conservation area. The site included an awkward, overshadowed yard and poor quality existing extension. By carefully positioning the new volumes and keeping the single-storey extension subservient to the original house, we were able to significantly improve the home while maintaining good daylight for neighbours. Working closely with Richmond planning we ensured the new interventions were a positive addition to the conservation area and fully supported by the council.
Why was a green roof chosen?
The sedum roof delivers multiple benefits within a compact urban site. It helps support local biodiversity, slows rainwater run-off, improves thermal performance and creates a much more attractive outlook for neighbouring properties looking down onto the extension.
How does the project improve family living?
The original layout felt fragmented and disconnected from the garden. The new arrangement creates a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that acts as the social heart of the home. Large areas of glazing and direct access to outdoor spaces help the house feel larger, brighter and better connected.
What can homeowners learn from this project?
That successful extensions aren't simply about adding square footage. The most effective projects improve the quality of space, light and everyday living. At Barnes House 02, careful design transformed an overlooked and underused part of the site into the defining feature of the home. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can make even modest spaces work much harder.
