Ranelagh Courtyard Transformation: A 1930s Tudor Home Reimagined
A Transformed 1930s Home: Universal Access Meets Captivating Brickwork
The challenge was to convert this 1930s two-storey house, originally with a small kitchen, external WC, and a North-facing rear garden, into a fully accessible home that could be enjoyed by all.
An existing extension to the rear, along with a covered side passage and sheds, prevented evening light from reaching the back of the site, resulting in dark internal spaces. These were demolished and replaced with a single-storey extension at the rear, carefully designed to capture as much light as possible.
The Master Bedroom, accessible bathroom, and master wardrobe were positioned at the rear corner, with the remaining outdoor space transformed into two private courtyards. Large areas of glazing connected the living spaces and bedroom to these courtyards, enhancing the sense of openness.
The new sloping zinc-clad roof allowed low evening light to skim over the roof and into the courtyard, creating bright, warm internal spaces and cheerful suntraps both inside and out.
Tudor Streetscape Harmony
Nestled on a scenic bend, this 1930s Tudor-style home is part of a picturesque row that exemplifies architectural continuity. With its robust brick base and large pebble-dashed upper floor, the home’s two-storey bay windows and Tudor-style gables echo the timeless charm of its neighbors, blending seamlessly into the historic streetscape.
Digital Model Image
Revitalized Front Facade
The front facade of this 1930s Tudor home has been carefully revitalized with a series of subtle yet impactful interventions. These updates not only enhance thermal performance but also restore original features that were previously lost to insensitive modifications. The reimagined garage and front window now blend seamlessly with the home’s historical character, offering a respectful nod to its architectural heritage.
Before
The original house lies on a bend in the road creating a tapered site which widens towards the rear.
Restored Facade Elements
This facade restoration thoughtfully reinstates the original covered entrance porch and introduces an accessible hall door, seamlessly blending modern functionality with historical charm. The redesigned window of the converted garage room has been carefully crafted to harmonize with the house’s original architectural character.
Northern Glow
The northern elevation has been thoughtfully redesigned to harness daylight from all angles. Extensive glazing in the L-shaped extension blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a light-filled, expansive environment.
Before
An old addition to the rear was removed as well as dramatically opening up the back of the original house.
Courtyard Oasis
A tranquil courtyard oasis where expansive glass facades connect indoor comfort with outdoor serenity. The lightweight upper extension integrates with the original structure, creating a private retreat bathed in natural light.
Suntrap side courtyard
This side courtyard, nestled within the tapering layout of the original site, is bathed in natural light from south- and west-facing glazing, inviting warmth and sunlight deep into the heart of the home.
The Garden Within
The main living space features a large picture window framing the serene rear garden. A brick screen adds privacy while guiding the way to the fully accessible master bedroom.
Dining
A dining area bathed in natural light, where sleek glass walls meet the warm texture of brick.
Golden Hour Dining
This dining space captures the gentle glow of the setting sun, creating an inviting atmosphere for evening meals.
Hidden Entrance
A seamless transition from living space to private retreat, with a discreet doorway leading to the master bedroom.
Brick and Brass
Kitchen cabinets in a dark shade of green, along with brassy pendants form an attractive counterpoint to the heritage brickwork. The kitchen was carefully designed to meet the requirments of a permanent wheelchair user without compromising on its appearance.
A Timeless Entrance
The entrance hall has been rebuilt with level access, a reconstructed hall door, and new insulation, new doors, all designed to respect the character of the original house.
Calming Circulation
A sensitively refurbished first-floor landing, now featuring a discreetly integrated passenger lift for full accessibility.
Illuminated Stairwell
A contemporary makeover for the stairwell, with a tall satinised glass window replacing the old toilet mezzanine, flooding the space with light.
A Green Oasis
Amidst the house’s red brickwork, the choice of green marble tiles creates a serene and surprising retreat.
Overlooking Ranelagh's rooftops
Though not a Protected Structure, the house sits in a built landscape of traditional materials. The large area of the new two-storey extension roof is finished with traditional zinc for a timeless and hand-crafted feeling.
Model Image
The extended floor area intersects the external space of the property creating two private courtyard areas. A minor addition at first floor level creates new bathroom and ensuite areas without disruption to the original eaves line of the house.
Model Image rear high level view
The extended areas have been carefully designed to slip into a back-garden world of sheds and outbuildings without an impact on adjacent properties.
Model Image Courtyard view
Within the property, it was important to maintain a degree of privacy between the main living spaces and the master bedroom suite to the right-hand-side of the view.
