Renovation Case Study: Ecclestone Square

Jennifer Copley
Jun 17
3 min read

A Contemporary Transformation in a Listed Building

Room under renovation with tools, boxes, and a vacuum on the floor. A large mirror reflects a person. Two large windows visible.

As a London-based architecture studio conservation architecture is one of our specialisms. Renovating a listed building can be a challenge, but when history and modernity are thoughtfully balanced, the result can be truly spectacular.

In this Renovation Case Study: A Contemporary Transformation in a Listed Building, we explore Ecclestone Square, a flat within a beautiful, grade II listed property that had suffered an unfortunate subdivision in the 1970s. Dropped ceilings and a strange layout resulted in a disjointed and uncomfortable space where the original heritage elements had been neglected.

Modern dining room with glass table, black chairs with pink cushions, wooden shelving, and plants. Soft lighting creates a warm ambiance.

Our mission was to achieve listed building consent, undertake a full and extensive renovation, and redesign the whole interior. The result is a stunning, contemporary home that restores the building’s original charm and reflects the owner's love of Art Deco design.

Sketches

Sketch of an empty room with bookshelves and a couch on the left. A circular ceiling light and ornate moldings are visible, creating a serene atmosphere.

Sketches were an essential part of the early stages of the project, not only for visualising our creative and ambitious client’s aims, but for understanding the proportions of the space. Sketching allowed us to explore the volumes, layers, and flow of the flat in a way that captured both the property’s architectural heritage and our client’s specific requirements. We focused first on the spatial composition – it’s the balance of proportions that shapes how we experience a space.

Planning

Bedroom with a bed, white bedding, dark cushions, and a large framed London map above. Nearby, a mirror and flowers on a marble table.

Working with listed buildings is quite a journey and navigating planning permissions requires expertise. This project came under the remit of Westminster Council, where it is notoriously challenging to obtain approval. Key to the permissions process is the ability to demonstrate how the project brings value to the listed building. We therefore proposed reintroducing historical features that reflected the building’s storied heritage.

Heritage Details

Elegant living room with abstract art on the wall, white fireplace, beige sofa, and modern chairs. Soft lighting creates a cozy feel.

Ecclestone Square in Pimlico embodies the neoclassicism of late Regency architecture, featuring classical pediments, a grid layout and a garden square. Dating back to the 1830s the square was designed by the master builder Thomas Cubitt. All the properties within the square are grade II listed by English Heritage.

We approached this renovation with a deep respect for the building’s historical significance. We worked meticulously to restore key heritage elements, ornate mouldings and period-appropriate architectural details, ensuring historical character and authenticity remained at the heart of the project.

Art Deco Aesthetics

Hexagonal object with black, white, and green marble sections on a wood surface. Textured beige and green marble backgrounds.

One of the standout features of this renovation is its contemporary approach to Art Deco design.

We carefully selected the colour and material palette to capture a sense of Art Deco elegance. Brass fixtures, marble surfaces, dark furniture accents, and smooth lines, work in dialogue with the property’s original architectural details to create a refined space.

Subtle lighting solutions and first-class finishes imbue the space with understated luxury.

Design Secrets

Wooden walk-in closet with hanging shirts and coats. Shelves hold shoes and boots. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

Balancing the historical with the contemporary, we introduced modern amenities to meet the demands of contemporary living. A new layout maximises natural light and creates an open, flowing space. The updated floor plan produces a harmonious connection between rooms, something that had been lost in the original 1970s reconfiguration.

In a 2 bed 90m2 flat, storage was at a premium and we managed to create maximum storage while maintaining a sleek minimal aesthetic. There are lots of little design secrets in this project with cleverly hidden compartments, such as a hidden bar. We also integrated a new luxury air conditioning unit – no mean feat in a grade II listed building!

Detail

Wooden staircase with sleek, modern design and ambient under-step lighting. Warm tones create a cozy and sophisticated ambiance.

Attention to detail was crucial in this renovation project - from bespoke joinery to tailored lighting.

Ecclestone Square exemplifies how listed buildings can be renovated to suit modern lifestyles while preserving their historical heart. By honouring the original character of the property and balancing this with contemporary design we created a home that is elegant, practical, and uniquely personal.