Pricegore embarked on a transformative journey to revive and extend a brutalist townhouse in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, showcasing a robust commitment to modernist architecture conservation while embracing contemporary living needs.

Embracing Modernist Legacy

The clients, enamored by the 1960s block, acquired the property in 2020, entrusting Pricegore with the task of reimagining the five-bedroom home into a spacious three-bedroom layout tailored for modern family life.

Unveiling Historical Layers

Explorations into the site’s history revealed a significant level change, indicating the presence of Victorian houses preceding the current block. Leveraging this insight, Pricegore excavated 1.4 meters to rediscover the site’s split-level character, enriching the modernist structure with generous volumes reminiscent of mid-century Brazilian homes.

Seamless Integration of Spaces

The ground floor now boasts a 3.6-meter-high living space with exposed concrete elements, seamlessly blending with the existing brutalist aesthetics. Floor-to-ceiling glazing on the first floor creates a loggia-like formal living room, offering panoramic views of the lush garden and providing a sanctuary of privacy.

Elevated Living Experience

The upper floors house a pair of matching bedrooms and a bathroom, along with an atelier-inspired master suite enjoying canopy views of surrounding trees. Throughout the house, slender aluminum windows maintain architectural coherence with the original 1960s frames.

Materiality and Sustainability

Responding to the clients’ desire for a visually light interior, Pricegore opted for unpainted lime-rendered walls, revealing and lime-washing existing concrete elements. Sustainable materials like reclaimed timber boards and tadelakt walls in bathrooms enhance the raw, yet refined aesthetic.

Enhanced Thermal Performance

To improve thermal efficiency, the building underwent significant upgrades, including external roof insulation, wood fiber insulation on internal brick walls, and double glazing. An air source heat pump and mechanical ventilation heat recovery system ensure optimal comfort year-round.

Tranquil Outdoor Oasis

The garden, meticulously designed by landscape designer FFLO, spans three levels and features a water feature designed to mitigate surrounding city noise, offering residents a serene retreat amidst urban hustle.

In conclusion, the Chelsea Brut House renovation stands as a testament to Pricegore’s adept blend of historical reverence and contemporary sensibility, breathing new life into a modernist gem while honoring its architectural legacy.