Riverside Edwardian whole-house renovation

Brief

A family of five in a 6-bed Edwardian semi on the Petersham road needed a complete refurbishment after 30 years of unsympathetic 1980s alterations. The scope: full M&E rewire, restore all sash windows, side return kitchen extension, hip-to-gable loft conversion, install MVHR and air source heat pump, and bring the EPC from band E to band B while respecting the Petersham Conservation Area buffer rules.

Challenge

Richmond planners protect views to and from the Thames and Petersham meadows; any rear extension visible from the river was scrutinised. The existing 1980s rear extension had a flat roof and uPVC sliding doors entirely out of character with the Edwardian fabric — Richmond required it to be demolished and rebuilt to a heritage-grade specification. The original sashes were in poor condition; conservation officers required restoration rather than replacement. Asbestos in artex ceilings throughout, lath-and-plaster walls failing, original drainage in clay pipe with multiple root ingress points confirmed by CCTV survey.

Solution

Phased 32-week programme. Phase 1 (weeks 1–8): asbestos remediation throughout, demolish 1980s extension, structural opening up. Phase 2 (weeks 8–20): new side return + rear kitchen extension with reclaimed London stock brick, natural Welsh slate roof, three structural rooflights, 4.8m steel-framed sliding doors. Phase 3 (weeks 16–24): hip-to-gable loft conversion with three timber sash dormer windows matched to existing front elevation profile. Phase 4 (weeks 20–28): sash window restoration on all 22 original sashes (split-strip-and-restore method), full rewire to EICR-grade, new heating system with 12kW air source heat pump, 60-cell MVHR system with hidden ducting. Phase 5 (weeks 28–32): finishes, lime plaster restoration, bespoke joinery, decoration.

Outcome

Both planning applications approved first-time (12 weeks each — extension and loft separately) with full conservation officer engagement throughout. EPC rose from band E (rating 48) to band B (rating 87). Heat pump and MVHR delivered 78% reduction in heating gas demand. Independent valuation uplift £680,000 against £425,000 spend. Family moved back in week 33; snag list of nine items closed within 4 weeks of handover.