This complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house is an example how close cooperation between friends can bring impressive results. The project we decided to follow required tearing down 70% of the entire house. Also, we needed to do a lot of complicated structural work. We converted an old house located in one of the most charming parts of London into a unique home with high technology solutions. Interested? Please follow along.
What was the scope of the refurbishment?
We did a complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house. The only things that we left from the previously existing building were elevation and one interior floor. So, what exactly did we do?
- Tearing down 70% of the house
- Building complicated yet structurally sound constructions
- Building a two-storey extension
- Istalling new roof frame and roof tiles
- Installing windows – including massive folding windows and roof windows
- Upgrading heating system – underfloor heating on all storeys
- Upgrading electrical system – including audio-video controls
- Upgrading plumbing
- Remodelling the space – creating en-suite bathrooms, utility room/space and open concept kitchen
- Remodelling the original staircase with modern railings
- Installing new flooring, skirtings, door frames and doors
- Installing new vents and smoke detection system
- Installing lighting – including stairs lights
- Building a deck
- Custom made open plan kitchen
Of course, we could go into more details on how extensive this complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house was. However, we believe that the results speak for themselves. Also, the satisfaction of our clients is of utmost importance. It was a true delight working for this family delivering their dream home. If you are considering a complete transformation of your old house, the answer to the following question may help you.
How can you modernise your 1930s house?
There are numbers of ways in which you can make your old house modern. As shown by the example of complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house the scope of modernisation is limited by imagination only. First, we completely changed the way heat is distributed in the house. This results in heating costs savings, easier to plan space as there are no central heating heaters. Also, it is more future proof. If our clients decide to change the layout of the rooms, they can simply move the furniture around. Not to mention the comfort of stepping out of the bathtub onto a warm floor. Second, we added massive windows allowing natural light to flood every room, including staircase. We installed cutting edge technology folding patio doors. Not only do they allow incredible amount of natural light in but also help to save heating cost.
Another modern technology that we introduced during this complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house was audio-video system. Such solution allows our clients to have full control over the sound and video and ensures modern living. Also, having it planned beforehand allowed us to hide all the electronics without cluttering the space.
Did we manage to keep the pre-war style of the house?
The 30s were a mixture of styles with Art Deco and traditional architecture. Our refurbishment of a late 1930s house shows that you can keep the spirit of the era. However, it does not mean you have to copy it completely. Having said that the 30’s were known for using jewel-toned colours like emerald green or deep blue and pastel tones. These were the basis of the renovation for both first floor extension and ground floor extension. For example, we used bold, jewel-like colours from Farrow & Ball palette. We used them not only to paint walls but also to paint a ceiling or one wall in the staircase creating strong visual statement. Additionally, we installed a freestanding pastel colour bathtub in one of the en-suite bathrooms. The look of the bathroom was completed with marble like tiles and silver hardware.
Further, the ground floor extension with a custom-made kitchen shows a brilliant approach to house design inspired by an era. We used here strong colour both on the walls and on furniture. Dark furniture nicely contrasts with the bright countertop and backsplash. The combination of grey/concrete like colour and deep navy blue helps to make the interior lighter. We equipped this kitchen with a stove which uses latest technology but has retro inspired design. Additionally, this kitchen allowed out clients to express themselves and what they really like. Overall, we managed to create a very modern house with strong inspiration taken from the 30s. We also kept some of the original features like elevation.
Photo documentation of the complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house:
Information about the complete refurbishment of a late 1930s house:
- Type of work: Full internal refurbishment with new extensions;
- Services: Design, Build, Construction;
- Architects: ArchNova Architects;
- Kitchen by Mobalpa;
- Flooring by The Ultimate Flooring;
- Structural Steel by Steelo;
- Windows and doors by Anko The Best Windows;
- Paints by Farrow & Ball.
