actual project cost confidential for client disclosure
ARCHIBUILD were commissioned to design and renovate a dated Victorian mid-terrace in Southsea, Portsmouth, transforming it into a stunning, light-filled contemporary home.
The renovation reimagines the narrow and dark layout, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living for a bold, modern family lifestyle.
This narrow Victorian terrace was once dark and disconnected, with segmented spaces that disrupted flow and lacked a visual link to the garden. ARCHIBUILD designed two carefully planned extensions to resolve these challenges. A one-meter-wide side return extension expanded the kitchen, while a one-meter-deep rear extension replaced the outdated conservatory. Though modest in size, these additions completely transformed the home—flooding it with natural light and seamlessly connecting the interior to the courtyard garden.
This project required a major structural renovation to accommodate two expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, maximizing natural light in the modern kitchen-diner extension. The highlight of the design is its impressive ‘party trick’—both glass screens fully retract, creating a striking floating corner where the house appears to rest on a single column. This seamless illusion transforms the dining space into a stunning garden room, enhancing the sense of indoor-outdoor living.
A key design intent was to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, reinforcing open-plan living. This approach was particularly effective in making the courtyard garden feel larger than its actual dimensions, creating a seamless visual.
This design reinterprets traditional Victorian materials with a modern approach, seamlessly blending heritage architecture with contemporary design. The slate tile hanging on the upper façade pays homage to classic Victorian construction techniques, while the smooth render, a finish commonly used on period homes, provides a refined yet modern contrast. A striking feature is the large upstairs window—though sleek and contemporary, its Victorian-style proportions mirror those of the neighboring homes, maintaining a sense of architectural harmony within the streetscape.
A common challenge with Victorian homes is their poor insulation, draughts, and lack of soundproofing. Due to outdated construction methods, these homes often suffer from high energy bills and poor temperature regulation in colder months. ARCHIBUILD collaborated closely with the client to ensure the home met modern living standards while preserving its historic charm.
To improve energy efficiency, the project incorporated high insulation levels, meticulous air-tight construction, and targeted thermal upgrades. These measures help retain warmth from the underfloor heating, reducing heat loss and enhancing sustainability.
Additionally, full soundproofing to both party walls was installed, significantly cutting noise transfer from neighboring properties. This provides acoustic comfort and allows the homeowners to enjoy a peaceful retreat—or entertain freely—creating a modern, high-performance home within a period property.
