Laurier Road

: Dartmouth Park, Camden, London

Laurier Road sees the sensitive renovation and extension of a Victorian house in Dartmouth Park. As much of the property’s original character had been lost through incoherent alterations, the project focused on reversing unsympathetic layout changes, restoring period features and enhancing both spatial functionality and energy efficiency. The aim was to create a home that honours and builds on the property’s historic language, while supporting the needs of modern family life.

On the lower ground floor, the layout was restructured to move away from “open-plan” living. A conservatory style extension in-fills a disused lightwell, creating a spacious kitchen-dining space, with a much-improved connection into the garden. Here a historic rear sash window has been salvaged and relocated to maintain continuity between new and old. Glazed pocket doors lead to a more private front TV room. Original elements such as fireplaces, plasterwork, and sash windows were meticulously restored or faithfully recreated using traditional techniques. A historically resonant colour palette was used throughout for cohesion, while joinery, bathrooms, and internal fittings were detailed to evoke a history that is older than this renovation - a nod to architectural evolution, rather than a modern retrofit. An innovative insulation solution was devised to retain the historic floor slab while meeting high thermal performance standards. New bespoke window sashes also significantly improve comfort, while remaining in keeping with the Conservation Area. The work prioritises close collaboration with skilled craftspeople, and traditional, high-quality materials, resulting in a refined, future-proofed home that harmoniously bridges past and present.