{"id":779847,"date":"2025-03-28T07:49:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T07:49:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=779847"},"modified":"2025-03-28T08:06:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T08:06:05","slug":"retrofirst-stories-how-whiteman-architects-is-keeping-art-deco-vibes-in-house-overhaul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/retrofirst-stories-how-whiteman-architects-is-keeping-art-deco-vibes-in-house-overhaul","title":{"rendered":"RetroFirst Stories: how Whiteman Architects is keeping \u2018Art Deco vibes\u2019 in house overhaul"},"content":{"rendered":"

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With up to 40 per cent of carbon emissions coming from the construction industry, the profession needs to find ways of adapting the type of buildings it designs, and fast. The default option for any project should be to adapt and re-use an existing building, one of the key demands of the AJ\u2019s\u00a0RetroFirst campaign<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Our ongoing series seeks to celebrate the projects that save buildings from demolition or give them a brand new life.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Lee Whiteman of Whiteman Architects<\/p>\n\t

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Tell us about the project
\n<\/strong>This project is all about giving a 1920s Art Deco house a fresh new look while keeping its charm. It\u2019s in Riverdale Gardens<\/a>, Twickenham, a stone’s throw from the river, and the plan is to extend, renovate, and update the cladding and windows.<\/p>\n

The scheme will add a rear ground floor extension to create more living space; replace the old pitched roof with a flat roof and extension; give the fa\u00e7ade a full makeover with new cladding and windows; and create a new-build outbuilding in the back of the garden.<\/p>\n

The house is growing too \u2013 from 253m\u00b2 to 320m\u00b2 of floor space. That\u2019s an extra 67m\u00b2 of room to play with.<\/p>\n

The houses on Riverdale Gardens are mostly red brick Queen Anne-style houses and typical semi-detached interwar houses. The house in question<\/a> is detached and completely unique, standing out from the prevailing character of the street.<\/p>\n

What were the challenges of the existing building?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The primary challenge, which also presented a unique opportunity, was the existing architectural style of the house. The clients were drawn to the property specifically because of its aesthetic, which meant that any proposed changes needed to strike a delicate balance between improving functionality and preserving the original character. Modernising and enhancing a house with a distinct style, while respecting its heritage, can often be a complex undertaking.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile the rear building lines are all over the place. Some of the [neighbouring] houses have big extensions, some don\u2019t. So there was room to push the design a little but no clear precedent.<\/p>\n

And, although the house has an Art Deco vibe, it is not the best example of the style. Any changes needed to respect that style while still modernising it and enhancing the original intent<\/p>\n

The property also boasted a garden that was slightly longer than those of the neighbouring houses. This presented an opportunity to extend the house and incorporate a substantial outbuilding without compromising too much outdoor space. However, it was essential to strike a balance between indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring that the garden retained its functionality and aesthetic appeal.<\/p>\n

Had demolition ever been considered?
\n<\/strong>Initially, starting from scratch was considered, due to the extensive changes required. The costs of making these changes were comparable to starting anew. Therefore, from the outset, we evaluated the advantages of both options to ensure everyone had a clear understanding of the pros and cons of both directions.<\/p>\n