“Almost doubling the size of the property, the upward extension has enabled a tired looking one bedroom flat to transform into a modern three bedroom duplex.”
– George Woodrow, Woodrow Vizor Architects
Upper Addison Gardens, W14 Acquisition & Development
PROJECT BRIEF
We were instructed to find a development opportunity with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea that would create a three bedroom family home and add significant capital value to the original investment.
The budget was not enough to acquire a house within the target locations and therefore we agreed to focus on extending a Lower Ground, Top Floor or Maisonette property to fulfil the project brief.
Project Overview
LONPROP found the subject property – a Second Floor flat being sold via auction with the benefit of planning consent to add an additional Mansard Floor including a sizeable south-facing roof terrace.
The flat was situated within a dilapidated period building with a somewhat compromised First Floor entrance. In addition, the rear outrigger extension was uncomfortably close to the enormous hotel building behind. The property was in poor condition and needed a complete rebuild.
The property was, however, located in an attractive tree-lined street in Holland Park and had huge potential – if we could improve upon the planning drawings and undertake a comprehensive refurbishment of the upper floors, front elevation and common parts.
We provided our detailed analysis on the acquisition and development; a maximum figure was agreed for the purchase and we then successfully represented our Client at the Auction. Post exchange, we immediately worked on the detailed design and had the Licence to Alter agreed shortly after completion of the purchase. A requirement of the purchase was to reinstate an elegant period cornice which had fallen away and we decided to comprehensively refurbish both the front elevation and common parts.
Our design for the Upper Duplex centred on the exposed timber roof structure, which gave the benefit of increased ceiling height on the Mansard Floor, and a vast roof light to flood the top floor with an abundance of natural light. We also prioritised outside space and high amenity to provide an open plan top floor with kitchen – dining – reception, study and roof terrace; and on the Second Floor, three double bedrooms including a Master Suite with a shower room and balcony, a family bathroom and plenty of storage; a utility room was designed on the First – Second Floor landing with a mezzanine floor above for the Plant Room.
LONPROP recommended our trusted project team and main contractor to undertake the majority of the works, with the air conditioning, sprinkler system and bespoke joinery undertaken by trusted specialist contractors. The Client agreed and contracts were signed ahead of starting the building works.
The construction phase was challenging, with many tradesmen working concurrently, but we finished successfully after roughly 9 months on time and within budget.
The property was fitted with high quality finishes and many great design features throughout. All principles rooms had air conditioning, the Mansard Floor was fitted with an automist sprinkler system and a new Banham video entry system was installed to open the front door from either floor or even remotely.
The Clients moved into the property shortly before having their second child and were delighted with the result.
Project Architect: Woodrow Vizor
Structural Engineers: Alan Baxter
What we did
Acquisition & Development Management
Specifically:
- Property search
- Strategic advice in respect of the purchase
- Negotiation
- Overseeing legal due diligence
- Conceptual design
- Planning applications
- Licence to Alter
- Development strategy
- Appointing project team
- Overseeing detailed design
- Undertaking the procurement process
- Development appraisal forecasts
- Budget monitoring
- Supply of all fixtures & fittings
- Contract Administration
