Ultimo terrace

Architects: Julie Cracknell and Peter Lonergan
Completed in October 2010 taking 4 months in total 

Genuine Building Services (GBS) was very grateful to be given the opportunity to renovate this property for this couple because their previous home was the first one we ever renovated back in 2007.

This property is probably the smallest two bedroom terrace we've worked on and it was old and run down. Originally it had two bedrooms upstairs, a small living and kitchen area downstairs and the only bathroom and laundry was at the rear of the block. It was to be transformed into two bedrooms upstairs with one of them being an extension and we had to fit in a main bathroom and hallway where the second bedroom used to be. Downstairs was to be renovated and extended to create more living space and the rear bathroom and laundry was to be updated.

It had challenges like the boundary wasn't straight and actually changed direction numerous times. In addition the neighbouring rear toilet was located on the block and had to be built around. There were damp issues, a rusting roof that required replacing, decaying timber and inadequate drainage. 

The client managed the renovation with us directly and all the detail hadn't all been finalised on their plans. We needed to fit in a functional bathroom upstairs with limited space. The original second bedroom was transformed into a hallway and long and skinny bathroom with a shower at one end, basin in the middle and toilet at the other end. GBS had the idea of having a glass wall so that we could keep it as thin as possible and maximise the space we had. We then suggested frosting it to above eye level and then the skylight above would allow natural light to shine through and into the stairs and hallway.

The extension was deliberately built very modern to contrast with the rest of the terrace with cool cladding and roof facade. It also had a polished concrete structural slab that had to be protected for the entire build.

This renovation is a fantastic example of what can be done with limited space.