Listed Buildings
We’re delighted to have recently begun work on Duke’s House — a remarkable Grade II listed building in the heart of Chelsea, dating back over 400 years. With original wall panelling, fireplaces, and a neglected, but original, stairwell, the house is a rare architectural gem. Our clients were drawn to its charm and eccentricity, and we were entrusted with the task of transforming it into a home suited for modern living — without losing its historical integrity.
The project required an exceptionally detailed and sensitive Listed Building Consent process. Working closely with conservation officers, we secured approval for a number of key interventions — including moving the kitchen, reconfiguring bedrooms, and waterproofing the lower ground floor — all while preserving the home’s historic fabric. One particular challenge was the carpentry restoration: we fully revived an original timber balustrade using traditional joinery methods and entirely natural materials — avoiding modern fillers or replacements. The result preserved its rich, quirky character while breathing new life into a historic centrepiece.
This commission builds on our long-standing experience with heritage properties. Over the years, we’ve worked on more than 15 listed buildings, including the prominent Ivory House at St Katherine’s Docks — a converted warehouse with brick vaults and marina-facing apertures. While we’ve developed a strong expertise in navigating the complexities of heritage refurbishment, Duke’s House has deepened our specialisation. It marks a new chapter in our studio’s relationship with listed architecture: one that blends conservation with design innovation, and character with comfort.
