A Flat Reinvented

The clients approached us following a referral from a friend, a former client whose mansion block flat in Marylebone we had recently completed. From the first meeting, it was clear we shared a vision. They valued design quality, sustainability, and careful attention to detail. They wanted a home that respected the building’s history while embracing modern standards of comfort and efficiency.

The flat had great potential, but it needed extensive work. It had been in the same hands for decades, and while the structure was solid, time had taken its toll. The floors sloped dramatically in multiple directions, sometimes by as much as a full step. The only way to fix this properly was to strip everything back to the sub-floor and rebuild from scratch, a move that ensured stability, improved movement between rooms, and set a solid foundation for the rest of the renovation.

Next came the layout. The original configuration didn’t suit contemporary living. The kitchen was small and tucked away, separate from the social spaces. The clients wanted it to feel more integrated with daily life. We explored several options, initially considering a full open-plan approach that would merge three rooms. After working through layouts, they opted for a refined version that maintained clear divisions while still feeling connected.

Once work started, the site revealed unexpected challenges. A key brick lintel had deteriorated beyond what surveys had suggested, requiring a full rebuild rather than minor reinforcement. We resolved the issue with a careful technical solution, avoiding unnecessary delays or excessive costs.

Plasterwork posed another issue. We had initially planned for minimal intervention, but the existing finishes were too far gone. Instead of replicating a conventional plaster finish, the clients embraced an upgrade: a lime and cork plaster mix that provided insulation while allowing the walls to breathe. This not only improved the building’s thermal performance but also prevented condensation and mould.

Throughout the project, the clients remained engaged, making thoughtful decisions that balanced budget, performance, and aesthetics. The results speak for themselves. The mansion block’s management team was happy with how the works were handled, sign-offs were completed quickly, and the flat felt completely transformed. Flooded with natural light, warm, quiet, and highly functional, the space meets every ambition the clients set out to achieve.