Remodelling and refurbishment of a Victorian semi-detached house in Oxford's North Victorian Conservation Area. A key driver of the project brief was a desire to improve the connection, both physical and experiential, between the principal living spaces and the gardens, grounding the home within its environment. The project included a full refurbishment of the entire property, including upgrades to its insulation and energy performance. The front and rear elevations of the house were in need of particular attention and thoughtful design details. The front of the period property was carefully restored, with gentle cleaning of brickwork, replacement of stonework and repointing of masonry. To the rear, the façade of an existing late twentieth century extension was substantially reworked, with new full height glazing to the bay and a bespoke steel stair with built-in herb garden. Neil Kahawatte Architects provided a comprehensive service, including design of interiors, kitchens, bathrooms, fitted joinery, and hard landscaping of the front and rear gardens. This project was our third commission for the clients, so built on a long-standing relationship of designing and managing projects.