A contemporary transformation
RRA Architects was appointed for the contemporary house renovation of a neglected and outdated end-terrace in Cheltenham, providing architectural services, technical detailing and contract administration throughout the project.
Although, the building dated from approximately 1875, none of its original, internal, period features remained. This removed the need for an imitation heritage treatment, thus allowing the interior to be reconsidered in a confident, contemporary style.
The budget was tight, so every design decision needed to work hard. RRA concentrated the available investment on the layout, energy performance and a limited palette of carefully chosen materials, avoiding unnecessary additions that would increase costs without improving the finished home.
Rethinking the layout
The existing house contained three bedrooms, but the long, narrow ground floor ended in a cramped kitchen and dark shower room containing the property’s only WC. Rather than allowing the bedroom count to dictate the design, RRA focused on the quality, flow and usability of the house as a whole.
One bedroom was replaced with a generous first-floor bathroom incorporating a freestanding bath, separate shower, vanity unit and extensive built-in storage. Moving the bathroom upstairs released the full width of the ground floor for a well-equipped kitchen with a large peninsula and breakfast-bar seating. Full-width bi-fold doors connect the kitchen directly with the small south-facing courtyard, while a separate WC was introduced downstairs.
Repairing and upgrading the building
A blocked box gutter behind the parapet had caused extensive damp within the solid end wall. The gutter was cleared and repaired, damaged plaster was removed and the structure was allowed to dry thoroughly.
With the walls and floors already exposed, insulation was added to the solid external walls. The ground floor was excavated and rebuilt with new insulation and underfloor heating, improving comfort and energy performance throughout the house.
A confident contemporary interior
In a house of this scale, keeping the design simple was essential. A continuous white resin floor visually connects the entrance, living, dining and kitchen spaces, helping the long ground floor feel calmer and more spacious. White polished plaster in the bathroom and contrasting black polished plaster on the living-room chimney breast provide durable, high-quality and unusual finishes.
Traditional chandeliers offer a deliberate contrast to the otherwise minimal interior, acknowledging the age of the house without attempting to recreate period details that no longer existed.
As the property was intended for resale, the interior was deliberately distinctive without becoming overly personalised. The restrained palette allows prospective buyers room to imagine making the house their own, while investment in the layout and key finishes ensured it feels considered and high quality.
The completed house demonstrates how disciplined design and intelligent remodelling can transform a small property without increasing its footprint or spending money where it adds little value.
Read the full story behind the remodelling and renovation, including why losing a bedroom helped increase the property’s appeal and value, in our blog feature about adding value through house renovation.
Project Highlights
- Complete renovation and remodelling of an outdated period end-terrace
- Poor three-bedroom layout reconfigured as a more generous two-bedroom home
- Spacious first-floor bathroom and separate ground-floor WC
- Full-width kitchen with a large peninsula and breakfast-bar seating
- Bi-fold doors connecting the kitchen with the south-facing courtyard
- Repairs to the parapet gutter and damp-affected end wall
- Additional insulation to the solid external walls
- Insulated ground floor with underfloor heating
- Continuous white resin flooring and polished plaster finishes
- Disciplined design decisions focused the available budget on the areas that would add the greatest practical and financial value