Twickenham House
Project Particulars
- Project
- Twickenham House
- Clients
- Private
- Local Authority
- London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
- Size
- 200m²
- Construction Cost
- Confidential
Project Team
- Architect
- Phillips Tracey Architects
- Structural Engineer
- Fothergills
- Landscape Design
- Phillips Tracey Architects
- Photographer
- Jack Hobhouse
"Victorian terraces offer a huge amount of character, yet they do not always offer the space and layout required these days - this Twickenham terrace, however, designed by Phillips Tracey Architects, has been refurbished, extended and rearranged to meet the needs of modern family life."
Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
The house now contains a combination of cellular and open plan spaces. Original rooms have a simple finish, with upgraded services and retained period features. In contrast, the new kitchen opens out onto the new dining and family living area.
The new rear extension is lowered to allow level access to the garden. As well as providing more living space, the extension addresses the splayed geometry of the garden and helps to provide a robust and defined boundary to the site. An additional ensuite bedroom is provided in the roof.
In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and improve comfort levels, the existing victorian solid external brick walls have been insulated with traditional cork and lime plaster lining and all glazing has been replaced with matching double glazed sash windows.
Frequently asked questions
How do you modernise a Victorian house without losing its character?
Twickenham House demonstrates how contemporary interventions can sit comfortably alongside historic architecture. Original features and proportions were carefully retained and restored, while new elements were expressed in a distinctly modern language, allowing old and new to complement rather than compete with one another.
What was the biggest design challenge at Twickenham House?
One of the key challenges was responding to the unusual geometry of the sit and garden. The rear extension was carefully shaped to work with these constraints, creating stronger boundaries, better sightlines and a more cohesive relationship between the house and it's outdoor spaces.
Why was zinc used on the new extension?
The zinc-clad elements provide a contemporary counterpoint to the Victorian brickwork while offering exceptional durability and longevity. The material helps distinguish the new additions from the original structure, clearly expressing the buildings evolution over time.
How was natural light brought into the house?
A combination of clerestory glazing, a glazed side return and large sliding doors introduces daylight deep into the floor plan. These interventions reduce reliance on artificial lighting and create bright, welcoming spaces throughout the day.
Why was Twickenham House shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards?
The project was recognised for its sensitive approach to adapting an existing Victorian home. By combining refurbishment, extension and energy-efficiency improvements within a coherant architectural strategy, the scheme demonstrates how older buildings can be transformed to meet contemporary needs while preserving their character and reducing environmental impact.
Awards
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Architects Journal Retrofit Awards AJ Retrofit 2015 Awards
Media
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Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, July 2016
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Homify.co.uk - The homify Guide to Researching your Home's History, 19 March 2016
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Homify.co.uk - UK Terrace Design Ideas: New Rear Extension, 15 February 2016
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Homify.co.uk - Top 5 Projects of the Week: Country Elegance to Hidden Suburban Surprises, 26 July 2015
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Homify.co.uk - 6 Stylishly Radical Renovations, 20 August 2015
