A Victorian end-of-terrace house in London's prestigious Notting Hill neighborhood has been completely transformed by architecture firm Knox Bhavan into a modern, sustainable four-bedroom home called Heartwood. The ambitious renovation project involved rebuilding the entire four-story structure from within while preserving its historic street facade.
The original building had been severely compromised over the years, with a collapsing rear wall, irregular floor levels, and a failing roof that left it uninhabitable for many years. Knox Bhavan undertook a comprehensive reconstruction that included full excavation and waterproofing of the basement, complete reconstruction of all floors, installation of insulated roofing and membrane systems, replacement of all windows, and rebuilding of the back wall.
While maintaining the building's historic character from the street, the architects renewed the original shopfront with new oak joinery and added cast concrete steps leading to the entrance, topped with a projecting canopy designed to protect the timberwork from weather damage.
Inside, the previously disjointed warren of rooms has been reimagined into a cohesive flow of connected spaces. The centerpiece of the new design is a lightweight steel staircase painted white that forms the home's central spine. Above this staircase, a large rooflight measuring 4.5 by 1.5 meters allows natural daylight to filter deep into the building's core.
The living room features a carefully crafted oak-framed bay window that serves as both a threshold and establishes the material palette for the rest of the home's interiors. Throughout the house, oak veneered joinery and exposed Douglas fir joists create a warm, consistent aesthetic that emphasizes natural materials and simplicity of form.
A study area tucked behind the main staircase is separated by a double-height void that overlooks the basement kitchen, creating visual connections between different levels of the home. The upper floors have been completely reconstructed to create level spaces that accommodate four bedrooms. A roof terrace provides outdoor space and is structurally supported by the timber joists of the study below.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the renovation. The house is now entirely electrically powered, with solar panels discreetly installed on a concealed flat roof behind the existing parapet. An air source heat pump is also integrated into this hidden rooftop area, and excess solar energy is stored in a battery system for later use. The building is now highly insulated, significantly improving its energy efficiency.
Fergus Knox, director of Knox Bhavan, explained the firm's approach to the project: "This project offered a rare opportunity to completely reimagine a neglected home that had sat untouched for many years in the heart of Notting Hill. Behind the front facing facade and newly refined shopfront, the building was severely compromised and needed to be fundamentally rebuilt."
Knox emphasized the firm's design philosophy: "Guided by a love of materials and simplicity of form, we focused on crafting spaces that feel connected, robust, and built to last. Finishes are pared back, with oak used throughout for warmth and continuity. Rooflights and new openings fill the home with natural light, and a finely detailed oak and steel staircase with open risers allow the daylight to filter deep into the plan."
The project, which is designed for rental use, employs robust, low-maintenance finishes throughout to ensure durability and ease of upkeep. The renovation began in October 2022 and is scheduled for completion in April 2025. The total gross internal floor area is 186 square meters.
The project team included Knox Bhavan as both architect and principal designer, with Make Structures serving as structural engineer and Paul Bastick Associates as mechanical and electrical consultant. The main contractor is WBS, and the project follows a self-build procurement route. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea serves as the local planning authority.
The renovation represents a successful example of how historic London housing can be adapted for modern living while preserving architectural heritage and incorporating contemporary sustainability features. The integration of renewable energy systems and high-performance insulation demonstrates how older buildings can be brought up to current environmental standards without compromising their historic character.
