Kensington

Design

Backroom Studios LLP

Project Description

The client’s architect approached us for a general refurbishment, commenting that her flat on the top floor of a Georgian mansion block was unliveable as it was unbearably hot in the summer and extremely cold during winter.

We stripped the entire property back to bare bones, including all flooring, walling, ceiling and finishes. We opened up the ceilings into the roof void, insulated the entire roof and floor, repainted and draught-stripped the original sash windows and installed new Dinesen Douglas Fir flooring. We fitted a new kitchen and new bathroom with high end Duravit sanitaryware and a glass balustrade.

The most challenging aspect of the job was that the only access to the site was through a very confined staircase 5 stories up without parking or storage space. All materials and waste had to be kept in the common staircase area which required very precise coordination and outstanding housekeeping from our builders.

As part of the works we also upgraded leaking cold water tanks supplying the entire property.

“All the onsite employees were polite and meticulously tidy, doing their very best to fit in around us.”

– Raza R

“I have enormous respect for Bow Tie as a contractor: It’s a real pleasure not having constant battles and headaches from a builder trying to do the bare minimum.”

– Justin Bere

“The house definitely meets expectations and exceeds them in some areas, the heat comfort is very big, the noise is much less than it was, overall very happy with it.”

– Francis M

“I did get the benefit of regular updates and involvement in the project so I could see the quality of the work.”

– Raza Rizvi

“Rafael is very familiar with the latest building technologies and is always on hand to offer suggestions and advice on the practicalities of achieving the desired end product.”

– Brian A