Richmond Hill House
Project Particulars
- Project
- Richmond Hill House
- Clients
- Private
- Local Authority
- London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
- Size
- 373m²
- Construction Cost
- Confidential
Project Team
- Architect
- Phillips Tracey Architects
- Structural Engineer
- Zussmanbear
- Landscape
- Sallis Chandler & Phillips Tracey Architects
- Interiors
- Client & Phillips Tracey Architects
- Contractor
- Analytic Building Contractors
- Photographer
- Henry Woide
Shortlisted for 2026 British Homes Awards, Home Extension of the Year
Located within a conservation area in Richmond upon Thames, Richmond Hill House is the extension and reconfiguration of a detached Victorian Gothic villa. The project transforms the relationship between house and garden while carefully preserving and enhancing the building's historic character.
The owners wanted to improve the way they lived within the house, creating brighter, more connected spaces and stengthening links to the garden. Our design reconfigured the ground floor layout and introduced a contemporary extension that respects the architectural integrity of the original property while providing a modern setting for family life.
A key part of the redesign was the location of the kitchen into a new 62m² extension. This allowed the former kitchen to be transformed into a generous drawing room, while creating a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family space with direct access to the garden. A new opening between the existing living room and extension improves flow through the house, introduces dual aspect views and significantly increases natural light.
The new extension is clad in Portland stone, chosen to complement the original light yellow brickwork while providing a subtle contrast between old and new. Large sliding glass doors create a seamless connection to the landscaped garden and dining terrace. Although the house occupies a relatively modest plot with a shallow north-west facing garden, the design maximises opportunities for outdoor living. A private roof terrace above the extension provides additional amenity space and is connected to the garden by a sculptural spiral staircase, creating a unique sequence of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Rooflights between the existing building and the extension bring daylight into the new kitchen area.
Historic features, including decorative mouldings, fireplaces and encaustic tiled floors were carefully restored and retained. The existing garage was rebuilt using reclaimed bricks salvaged from the site, reinforcing the project's sustainable approach and commitment to craftsmanship.
The result is a home that balances heritage and contemporary living, creates bright, flexible family spaces while strengthening connections to the garden and landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How can Victorian houses work for contemporary living?
Many period homes were designed for a very different way of living. Rather than immediately focusing on adding more space, it's worth considering how the existing rooms are used and connected. At Richmond Hill House, relocating the kitchen and reconfiguring the ground floor transformed the flow of the home, creating brighter, more flexible family spaces while retaining the character that made the house special in the first place.
Does a home transformation always require a large extension?
Not necessarily. While Richmond Hill House includes a 62m² extension, the success of the project lies as much in the reorganisation of the existing house as in the additional floor space. Thoughtful changes to the layout, circulation and connections between rooms can often have a greater impact on daily life that simply creating more space.
How can you create more outdoor space when the garden is already small?
Constrained sites often benefit from a more creative approach. At Richmond Hill House, we introduced a private roof terrace above the extension, creating a second outdoor destination. Connected to the garden by a sculptural spiral staircase, it provides additional space for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying views across the garden.
Can contemporary architecture enhance a historic home?
We believe the most successful extensions complement historic buildings without trying to replicate them. At Richmond Hill House, the contemporary Portland stone extension sits comfortably alongside the Victorian villa, creating a clear distinction between old and new while respecting the scale, craftsmanship and character of the original architecture.
