Year:

2025

Type:

Residential

Location:

Forest Gate, London

The project brief

Some construction projects are about creating something new. Others are about revealing the potential that has always been there.

This Victorian property in Forest Gate was one of those projects. Located within the Woodgrange Estate Conservation Area, the house had strong architectural character but had suffered from years of deterioration, poor energy performance, and a layout that no longer suited modern family life.

Our role was to carefully manage the transformation from an ageing property into a contemporary, sustainable family home.

The team transformed our vision into reality with remarkable care and expertise.

From a construction perspective, the project presented a number of challenges from the outset. Extensive damp issues, structural cracking, outdated services, and inefficient building fabric meant that a complete refurbishment was required. Before any visible changes could take place, significant investigative work and coordination were needed to fully understand the condition of the existing building and develop a clear construction strategy.

One of the most ambitious elements of the project was the complete demolition of the existing rear extension and a substantial portion of the rear structure.

The clients’ vision was to create a large open-plan living space that would become the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas with the garden. Achieving this required major structural interventions while carefully protecting the retained sections of the original Victorian house.

The presence of an existing basement added another layer of complexity. Traditional structural solutions were not suitable due to the limitations imposed by the basement structure below. Working closely with structural engineers, we developed a bespoke steelwork solution that allowed large open spaces to be created without compromising the stability of the building. Careful sequencing of demolition works, temporary supports, and structural installations was essential throughout the process.

As with many refurbishment projects, construction involved far more than what is visible in the finished result. Behind the new interiors lies a completely upgraded building. New electrical, plumbing, and heating systems were installed throughout the property, replacing ageing infrastructure and preparing the house for a more sustainable future.

Sustainability was a key driver of the construction programme. The project included the installation of an air source heat pump, solar photovoltaic panels, new insulation to walls and roofs, and high-performance replacement windows. Integrating these technologies into a Victorian property required careful planning and coordination to ensure that modern performance standards could be achieved while respecting the character of the building and the requirements of the conservation area.

Externally, construction works focused on creating a clear distinction between old and new. The contemporary limestone-clad rear extension provides a modern architectural statement while complementing the original Victorian structure. A green roof was incorporated to improve environmental performance and contribute to the project’s wider sustainability goals.

At the front of the property, works were carried out with equal attention to detail. Traditional landscaping, Victorian-style pathways, and a new glass canopy were introduced to enhance the property’s appearance and strengthen its relationship with the surrounding conservation area. Modern requirements, including electric vehicle charging facilities and permeable paving, were carefully integrated into the design.

Throughout the project, effective project management was fundamental to maintaining progress, controlling costs, and coordinating the many consultants, specialists, suppliers, and contractors involved. Refurbishment projects often reveal unforeseen conditions once construction begins, making communication, planning, and flexibility essential to successful delivery.

The completed project demonstrates how careful construction management and technical expertise can transform a challenging refurbishment into a high-quality family home. While the finished spaces feel effortless and contemporary, their success is built upon months of planning, coordination, and precise execution on site.

Today, the house offers everything the clients originally envisioned: light-filled spaces, improved energy efficiency, seamless connections to the garden, and a home designed around modern family living, all while respecting the character and heritage of its Victorian origins.

Renovate your property in London with We Love Build

We boast the in-house capabilities that can materialise the most complex design objectives, so no project is out of bounds for us. Alongside having a trusted, competent team of general contractors in London, we also have project managers, architects, and surveyors who can provide the design and management aspect of the work to be carried out. The whole process begins with a free home design consultation, and you can contact us directly to arrange this for a time that suits you. In the meantime, take a look at some of our other residential renovation projects, including an impressive Tufnell Park refurbishment, our Addison Garden renovation, and our Lucerne Road home transformation.