Sutherland Place, Westminster

The Site comprises a three-storey single dwellinghouse. The application Site is not listed but is located within the Westbourne Conservation Area.

This scheme involves the erection of a replacement dwelling, facilitated by its partial demolition and retention of the existing front facade, the creation of a basement level, together with associated landscaping to front and rear gardens. A mix of traditional and modern design was achieved to the rear, through use of stock brickwork and large areas of glazing.

The biggest challenge on this site was sustainability. Westminster policy states that as new developments are large consumers of resources and materials, the possibility of sensitively refurbishing or retrofitting buildings should also be considered prior to demolition and proposals for substantial demolition and reconstruction should be fully justified on the basis of whole-life carbon impact, resource and energy use, when compared to the existing building.

The proposals involve the demolition of the entire building, other than the front façade which will be retained. We ensured that a Structural Condition report was submitted setting out the rationale for this level of demolition. The report concluded that the removal of the existing internal structure makes construction much simpler and safer, avoiding significant temporary works and heavy new structure to strengthen and alter the existing fabric where new framing could be lighter, simpler, and more sustainable.