House Crescent

In the heart of London, just a stroll from one of the city’s finest royal parks, stands a complex of historic buildings that are among the most representative of mid-19th-century English culture and architecture. These are the famous Park Crescent terraced houses, designed by architect and town planner John Nash beginning in the early 19th century. The iconic snow-white facades, typical of the Regency style, go to make up a crescent that embraces the fronting Park Square, a small but distinctive appendage to the more renowned Regent’s Park.

Garnett Architects was commissioned to renovate a house that is, to say the least, exclusive and belongs to the list of British Heritage Grade Il listed buildings, that is, “artistic works recognized and protected for their outstanding historic, architectural or cultural appearance.”

The House Crescent renovation project, therefore, presented a great challenge: the regulations for listed buildings in England are really strict and any intervention must be based on respect for the pre-existence and protection of the original elements, from wall decorations to fixtures. Another distinctly challenging factor was the construction of the house itself, which is six stories above ground in the so-called “gothic lot,” a portion of land that is long and very narrow in facing the main street.

This particular condition made it essential to lighting study to make maximum use of the existing openings, to enable living comfort in every room. Thanks to a small inner courtyard, which breaks the continuity of the building, air and natural light spread evenly to the rear part of the dwelling, where convivial activities find space in the large open-plan kitchen and other small living and study areas.

The aim of the project was to tune the old mansion to the owner’s living needs, finding contemporary solutions that would improve energy performance without altering the building’s unique character. For the replacement of the windows and doors, architect Christian Garnett relied on the advice of our field partner Eterno Windows, making the best choice he could make. The selected product is a combination of all the essential features for the renovation project: the Skyline Minimal Frames system in its Classic version seems to have been born to be used when are required more classic aesthetics and modern performance.

In spite of the limiting surface area available, House Crescent is remarkably comfortable and its rooms unfold like a ribbon unrolling toward the inner courtyard, a source of light and air thanks to the Skyline Classic windows. The typical English transom style of the windows perfectly traces the original shapes; the carved profile of the frame is the result of Carminati’s craftsmanship, an attention to detail that makes a technological element a valuable component of style.

The thin wooden frame that defines the entire collection is perfect for obtaining maximum results from the present openings. Combined with superior quality double glazing through structural bonding, Skyline windows and doors provide sound insulation that is ideal for centrally located homes; at the same time, they provide thermal performance to ensure a climate that is as constant and comfortable as possible, reducing energy consumption.

Enhancing one’s heritage is something that comes naturally to the English people, especially when combined with the sacred need for livability and comfort. The architect’s and client’s goals of providing an authentic and functional custom home featuring fine details and finishes while balancing preservation and modernity were achieved, and House Crescent’s challenge was overcome.