The brief

The client set out to fully refurbish a late-Victorian home in Brighton, with a focus on unlocking space and improving day-to-day liveability. The project centred on replacing a poorly built side conservatory with a new kitchen extension, alongside upgrading the rest of the house to modern standards – from heating and electrics through to windows, roofing and finishes.

As the project progressed, the brief evolved into a more comprehensive transformation, addressing deeper structural issues and reworking the layout to create a brighter, more cohesive home throughout.

The challenges

Early on, it became clear that the existing rear structure was unsafe. The conservatory and surrounding elements had been built to a poor standard and were fully demolished and rebuilt. The main roof was also at the end of its life, with multiple areas of damp identified throughout the house.

The scale of intervention introduced significant structural complexity. Large steel RSJs and crank beams were required, installed via crane while maintaining the integrity of the remaining structure and keeping the site safe and weather-protected.

As expected with a property of this age, a range of hidden issues emerged during the build – including inconsistent lintels, asbestos risks, ageing plumbing and uneven floors. Each required careful sequencing and problem-solving to resolve without causing knock-on delays.

Our approach

Rather than patching over problems, we took the opportunity to do things properly. Working closely with the architect and structural engineer, key issues were resolved early and thoroughly, avoiding reliance on generic or reactive fixes.

The side return was rebuilt from scratch, with new structural steelwork installed into pad foundations to support the extension. Building control remained closely involved throughout, with each stage – from demolition through to structural installation – signed off before moving forward.

Because the house was unoccupied, we were able to sequence the more disruptive elements of the build efficiently, including steel installation and major structural work. This allowed steady progress without the compromises that often come with working around a lived-in space.

As the project has moved into its final stages, focus has shifted to internal finishes and detailing – ensuring that the new spaces not only function well but feel considered and cohesive. Our experience with Brighton housing stock has helped guide decisions around what’s achievable and where best to invest effort for long-term value.

The result

The project is now nearing completion, with the transformation clearly realised. The new rear extension has created a bright, open kitchen-dining space that connects seamlessly to the garden, while rooflights and large glazed openings bring natural light deep into the plan.

Internally, the house has been reworked to feel lighter, more open and better suited to modern living, while still respecting the character of the original Victorian structure. Structural upgrades, new services and carefully considered finishes mean the house now performs as well as it looks.

What began as a targeted extension has become a full, carefully executed refurbishment – turning an outdated and structurally compromised property into a comfortable, well-resolved home that will stand the test of time.

“You have to be realistic about what these houses can do. Our job is to make them better – not to oversell. Done properly, that’s what makes the difference long term.”

— Nick