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kensington palace – elevated standard of living.
With a challenging orientation and issues of overlooking and privacy, the existing worn Victorian cottage in Kensington was in need of a rethink. The owner loved her charming two‑bedroom cottage but found the spaces dark, tired and in need of repair. A neighbouring two‑storey extension compromised the privacy of the living spaces and the backyard — effectively reducing the usability of the property.

A small 1970s sun‑room extension was removed and replaced with a black steel and glass extension. Large picture‑frame windows bring light into the existing structure. A new timber deck enlarges the living space and wraps over the boundary fence to create a unique privacy screen. A new kitchen, bathroom and laundry complete this modest upgrade.
Although the total footprint of the house hasn’t changed, the owner now calls her dwelling “Kensington Palace” — a reference to the perceived abundance of space and light, and the elevated standard of amenities.



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