London Home Renovations

The Pavillion

This Grade II listed property has a rich history that was essential to respect and enhance during the careful renovation of this extraordinary family home. The project presented a unique opportunity to breathe new life into an important historic building, preserving its architectural character whilst adapting it to meet the needs of contemporary living.

Originally built in the late 19th century as a summer house for the owners of the estate on which it resides, the Pavilion has experienced a varied history. Over the years, the building fell into dereliction and even suffered fire damage, leaving much of its original character in need of careful restoration. The clients wanted to find a way to expand their home whilst adhering to strict historical limitations, enhancing the Pavilion's distinctive features and maintaining harmony with the surrounding Grade II listed historic parkland.

The central ambition was to meticulously restore the original Pavilion whilst seamlessly integrating the additional spaces required for modern family life. Rather than allowing the new accommodation to compete with the historic building, the design takes a deliberately discreet approach. Contemporary living spaces are cleverly concealed behind glazed elements that reflect the surrounding Pavilion and gardens, allowing the original building to remain the focal point. The use of glass creates a subtle relationship between old and new, maintaining visual connections with the landscape whilst introducing a distinctly contemporary architectural language.

The kitchen and bathroom were relocated into a side and rear extension, discreetly separating these functional spaces from the original Pavilion. This allowed the historic interiors to retain their character, whilst providing the additional accommodation and facilities needed for everyday living. The positioning of the extensions was carefully considered to minimise their visual impact, ensuring that the Pavilion's original form and relationship with the surrounding parkland remained intact.



The relationship between the building and its landscape was equally important. The glazed additions allow the gardens to remain visible from within the new living spaces, creating a sense of openness and bringing the surrounding greenery into the home. By carefully considering the proportions, materials and positioning of the new elements, the project establishes a dialogue between the historic architecture and its contemporary setting without compromising the character of either.

The complexity of the project extended well beyond the architectural design. Financial constraints, planning challenges and the need to meet meticulous regulatory standards meant that the management and delivery of the renovation required considerable care and coordination. Luis Trevino Architects developed the project from the initial concept through to the construction documentation, before RDA took over responsibility for the subsequent stages.