"Victorian villa redesigned as energy-efficient family dwelling by Studio Bark"
Studio Bark, an East London practice, has recently completed a remarkable transformation of a Victorian villa in Tunbridge Wells. The project, which won the Architecture Activism Award 2024, showcases an innovative blend of heritage preservation and environmental upgrade.
The detached double-fronted Victorian villa had been essentially untouched for half a century. Studio Bark extended and upgraded the house, adding an extra bedroom and a linear addition at the rear. This extension, a self-build project by the clients, was made possible using the practice's U-Build system, a modular self-build construction method.
The U-Build system enabled the clients to add a 50m² timber-clad rear extension themselves, enhancing the home's functionality and sustainability. This extension includes two bedrooms above and a full-width kitchen dining area below, connected to the original living spaces and a new pantry, plus a new side entrance replacing an old lean-to garage.
In terms of energy efficiency improvements, the extended house features thick insulation beneath cork cladding over wool insulation on the side elevations, significantly improving thermal performance. New double-glazed sash windows on the front preserve the villa’s traditional appearance while enhancing energy retention. The retrofit transformed the previously cold, damp Victorian house into a light-filled, low-energy family home.
Architecturally, the project blends heritage restoration and contemporary design. The original Victorian features such as joinery, architraves, and plasterwork are highlighted with a warm color palette. The new kitchen and extension use exposed spruce plywood and timber cladding to create a clear but respectful distinction between old and new. Steps from a half-landing lead to the U-Build extension, emphasizing the connection between the volumes.
The extension is clad in a different material to differentiate it from the main house. An air source heat pump and MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) were added to the house, contributing to the 75% reduction in energy bills. The house's founders include Wilf Meynell, Nick Newman, and Steph Chadwick.
The project's construction process is simplified using timber elements that can be de-mounted and reused. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also allows for future adaptability. Studio Bark is promoting its U-Build system as a simple way to create a modular extension, offering homeowners the opportunity to add space and value to their properties while minimising environmental impact.
In summary, the radical transformation of this Victorian villa demonstrates the potential of modular construction methods to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, and architectural innovation. The project serves as a model for future home renovations that balance heritage preservation with contemporary design.
- The U-Build system adopted by Studio Bark facilitated a self-build project, allowing the clients to create a sustainable extension with improved energy efficiency, transforming their home from a cold, damp Victorian house into a light-filled, low-energy family home.
- By using the U-Build system, Studio Bark's Tunbridge Wells project demonstrates a sustainable approach to lifestyle and home-and-garden makeovers, showcasing the potential for homeowners to harmoniously blend heritage preservation with contemporary design, and minimize environmental impact through modular construction methods.
