This duplex apartment, set within a Grade II Listed Victorian terrace in Bayswater, London, required a design that would respect its historic features while supporting the clients’ modern lifestyle. The original house had been subdivided into flats in the mid-20th century and was in poor condition, with an impractical bathroom, a cramped kitchen on the turn of the stairs, and two small bedrooms.

To address these challenges, we added a modest extension at the lower ground level, topped with a terrace, and reconfigured the floorplan with the aim of restoring the internal proportions of the Listed Building. The extension created space for a generous master suite with direct access to a private courtyard garden, while the removal of the second bedroom allowed for a larger kitchen, now sensibly positioned opposite the living room.

The entrance hall was originally too small, but instead of expanding into the kitchen, we introduced a bespoke sliding pocket door, which separates the spaces while maintaining an open, seamless flow. In the staircase nook, where the kitchen once stood, we added a toilet and study desk, improving both functionality and space.

The finishes are carefully chosen by the clients, with neutral hues and classic materials that complement the apartment’s Victorian heritage while providing a contemporary update.