Kew Garden’s Villa, TW9
Located just a stone’s throw from the historic botanic gardens, this detached Victorian villa is being reimagined as a sophisticated and expansive residence. Our task was to transform a disjointed, piecemeal building into a cohesive residence by adding a full-footprint basement, a complete loft redevelopment, and reconfiguring the entire home’s architectural flow. Currently in-build, the project meticulously balances restored heritage character with the refined requirements of a modern lifestyle.
Project Type: Extensive Victorian Refurbishment & Basement Extension
Location: Kew Gardens Conservation Area, London
Stage: In-Build
Scope of Work:
Full Property Refurbishment & Reconfiguration
New Basement Extension
Loft Redevelopment & Thermal Upgrade
Stairwell Restructuring
Heritage Exterior Restoration
Bespoke Joinery
Garden Landscaping
Our Role:
Concept Design
Planning Applications / Permissions
Architectural Design and Design Detailing
Interior Spatial Design
Bespoke Joinery (Design & Manufacture)
Build Project Management
Contract Administration
The Brief
Situated in the heart of the Kew Gardens Conservation Area, this detached six-bedroom Victorian villa possessed grand proportions but lacked a functional modern flow. When our clients acquired the property, they found a layout that felt disjointed; previous updates, including an under-utilised loft conversion, had failed to realise the building’s full architectural potential.
The brief was to undertake a sensitive yet total modernisation, reimagining the internal volumes to suit a more refined lifestyle while meticulously preserving the property’s traditional Victorian bones. The objective was to create a home that felt both expansive and intimate, prioritising material quality and structural integrity over a standard residential layout. Every square metre was reconsidered to ensure the house worked as a cohesive whole, from the new subterranean level to the redeveloped loft.
Hamilton King was introduced to the project after the client felt the previous architectural designs failed to capture the property’s true potential. Our first task was a complete spatial audit, focusing on a more ambitious configuration of the house to maximise both volume and light. On the first floor, we reconfigured the layout to create an expansive, refined master suite complete with a private en-suite. Moving up to the second floor, we undertook significant structural work to lower the floor levels. This increased the head height in the loft, transforming what was an under-utilised attic into a high-ceilinged, airy environment consistent with the original Victorian proportions.
A central focus of our redesign was the vertical circulation. We reconfigured the stairwell to create one continuous architectural feature that runs from the ground floor to the top floor. By introducing a strategic stairwell void, we have allowed natural light to pour into the core of the house, fundamentally changing the atmosphere of the landings and connecting the levels seamlessly.
Concept Designs
Technical Design & Planning Agility
A defining aspect of this project was our ability to adapt the design during the construction phase. After commencing works, we identified a significant opportunity to further extend the basement. The studio prepared and submitted all necessary documentation to secure planning permission for this extension while build works were already in progress. We monitored the application's outcome while simultaneously pushing ahead with the technical design, ensuring the scheme remained on track and technically viable without delaying the on-site team.
During this stage, we also finalised the interior architectural details. To maintain the Victorian character, decorative plaster mouldings and cornices were specified for the primary rooms. For the bathrooms, we curated a palette of marble and terrazzo tiling, chosen for their timeless aesthetic and durability.
Build Phase
We have now reached the construction phase, and as we are managing the build directly, we are able to ensure total alignment between the design intent and the work on-site. The exterior has been revitalised with fresh repointing, replaced stonework, and new windows, featuring a standout set of three custom stained-glass windows handcrafted in Barnes by Robin Cooper.
Inside, we are currently designing an extensive in-house joinery package, with installation now beginning across the bedrooms, bathrooms, and the basement cinema room. To ensure the interior finish matches this architectural quality, we have partnered with Violet & George to curate the final layers of the home, selecting bespoke wallpapers and soft furnishings that complement the refined material palette.
With completion scheduled for late Summer 2026, we’re excited to see this Kew villa come together in a way that feels both true to its heritage and reflective of the craftsmanship, collaboration, and thoughtful detail that has shaped the project from the very beginning.
