Knightsbridge

Porter Robson was appointed to develop the refurbishment and retrofit of an existing residential building in Knightsbridge, combining improvements to the internal accommodation and building energy performance with a sensitive response to its historic significance and conservation area setting.

The project began with a detailed understanding of the existing building. A comprehensive BIM model was produced to record its geometry, construction and architectural features, providing a coordinated basis for the proposed alterations. This helped the design team understand the relationship between the retained fabric, internal spaces and proposed improvements.

The architectural approach centres on careful repair and considered enhancement. The existing elevations are characterised by strong vertical proportions, articulated brickwork, decorative banding, projecting bays, parapets and prominent chimney elements. These features define the character of the property, and their retention is central to the design.

In response to the building’s historic significance and conservation area setting, external retrofit interventions are limited to the windows, with improvements carefully considered in relation to the existing openings, proportions and architectural detailing. The wider thermal upgrade is undertaken internally, preserving the appearance of the external walls and the established composition of the elevations.

The retrofit strategy focuses on internal insulation and improvements to the performance of the retained building fabric. The aim is to improve comfort and reduce energy demand through a coordinated design that responds to the constraints of the existing construction. The detailing of insulation continuity, airtightness and junctions, alongside moisture management and ventilation, is central to developing this approach.

The BIM model supports the coordination of these internal interventions, helping the design team assess how insulation and associated alterations relate to floor levels, internal partitions, window reveals and retained architectural features. This is particularly valuable where improvements to thermal performance must be accommodated within an existing building while respecting its character and maintaining usable internal space.

Alongside the fabric improvements, the refurbishment enhances the accommodation for contemporary residential use. The proposals seek to extend the useful life of the building through a considered balance of conservation, internal adaptation and improved environmental performance.

The project demonstrates how digital recording, BIM coordination and sensitive internal retrofit design can support the refurbishment of a historic London property, retaining its architectural character while improving comfort, performance and longevity.