Rigby and Rigby recently completed the complete redevelopment and restoration of a 5,300 sq. ft. six-storey Knightsbridge family residence for a regular private client.

Built in 1840, over the course of its history the house has been significantly altered – particularly in 1891 when an extensive make-over by the then owners altered the internal and external character from Georgian to Victorian. Although some of the Georgian features remain on the exterior of the house, very little of the original interior features were still in place, which providing Rigby & Rigby with an opportunity to use its extensive experience with heritage properties to restore this splendid example of London architecture to its former glory whilst, at the same time, creating a striking lower ground and basement level fit for 21st century family living.

The project included the construction of extensive basement complete with gym and sauna, the demolition and rebuilding of the closet wing to include a lower ground cinema room and large open plan kitchen, complete with central island and roof lights into the ground floor courtyard and the insertion of a glass passenger lift from basement to first floor level. In the original house, the extensive and sensitive internal alteration, restoration and renovation of the interior – including the careful restoration of those original features which did remain, such as the main staircase and coving – has breathed new life into the 175-year old property.

Working within listed building restrictions Rigby and Rigby was also able to improve the property’s access and energy efficiency.

Iain Johnson, Design Director for Rigby and Rigby said: “Our aim was to create a balance between showcasing the historic qualities of the original Georgian architecture and the opportunity to transform the living space through a light-infused contemporary extension that reflects the latest aesthetics, materials and technology of construction.”

Having completed the project in the summer, Rigby and Rigby have since turned their attention to the neighbouring property with the build of a similarly bold yet sensitive project now underway on site.