TENTER GROUNDS

Inspired by the history of the site, a former ‘Tenter Ground’, the newly renovated family home features a series of exposed timber elements – linking old and new by weaving a thread of history through the house.

The architectural brief, to convert and renovate the dilapidated property which had sat empty for at least two years, centred around creating clean open-plan spaces, while celebrating and enhancing the character and history of the building.

Located just outside the former walls of the City, this area played an important role in London’s wool trade. Throughout the medieval period, timber frames known as ‘tenters’ adorned the area, over which woven woollen fabrics would be stretched taught after being washed. Tied back on hooks embedded into the frame to prevent the woollen fabrics from shrinking, this practice is what gave rise to the expression to be ‘on tenterhooks’.

The new elements of the house added around 50% to the internal usable space of the building, maximising the client’s investment whilst also providing a bespoke and site-specific design. An extensive thermal upgrade package was included in the works, improving the Energy Efficiency Rating (EPC) of the building from E to B.

Working with contractors GESCo, the project took 8 months to complete and was delivered on time and to budget. Despite the high quality of the design, the scheme was realised on a limited budget relative to the scope of work.

If you are looking to carry out a home renovation in London, please get in touch.