River Avenue

Project Overview

Two-phase internal remodel of a substantial detached Edwardian property in Thames Ditton. Phase 1 transformed the entire ground floor rear — converting the hipped roof to a gable end to create a vaulted interior and glazed end elevation, installing eight Velux rooflights, and fitting full-width Crittall-style glazing across both rear elevations. Phase 2 replaced an enclosed front porch with a new open canopy that restores the Edwardian character of the front elevation, with a completely refitted hallway and WC beyond. Built to architect’s drawings.

The Brief

The clients wanted to transform how the ground floor of their large Edwardian home worked — without extending it. The rear rooms were dark and fragmented, a series of separate spaces that didn’t connect to each other or to the garden. The ambition was to open everything up, bring light in from above, and create a kitchen and living space that felt as generous as the house deserved. Phase 2 addressed the front: removing an enclosed porch that had robbed the entrance of its character and replacing it with something that properly belonged to the house, with a hallway and WC fitted to the same standard as the rest.

What we delivered

Phase 1 — Ground Floor Rear Remodel

Hipped roof converted to gable end — the defining structural move that created the vaulted interior, the glazed end elevation, and the new roofline
Eight Velux rooflights installed into the rebuilt roof structure
Full-width Crittall-style sliding doors and fixed glazing to both rear elevations, with the new glazed gable as the centrepiece
Six existing external openings closed, two new openings formed
Structural steelwork to open up internal spaces
Reclaimed brick slips applied internally as feature wall in dining area
New open-plan kitchen with dark green shaker cabinetry, granite worktops, farmhouse sink, and integrated oak wine rack and oak drawers
Dark green dresser unit with reeded glass doors and brass hardware
Sage green shaker cabinetry to main kitchen run with granite worktop
Pocket doors between spaces
Underfloor heating throughout (55m²)
Wide plank engineered oak flooring throughout
Full rewire and new consumer unit

Phase 2 — Front Canopy, Hallway & WC

Existing enclosed porch removed and replaced with open canopy porch — gabled roof in matching plain clay tiles with dentil cornice, decorative timber gable, T&G soffit, turned posts and pendant lantern
Hallway refitted with wide plank oak flooring, tall skirting, dado rail with panel moulding and cornice throughout
New WC with dark teal tongue-and-groove panelling to half height, patterned encaustic floor tiles, and brass fittings
Underfloor heating to hallway

The Result

The transformation has nearly doubled the size of the property and completely reimagined how the family uses their home. The ground floor now flows seamlessly from kitchen to dining to snug areas, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite provides a private retreat with fitted dressing room and study, while the additional bedroom and bathroom have significantly increased the home’s functionality.

Throughout the project, we incorporated extensive bespoke fitted furniture, maximising storage and creating a cohesive, high-quality finish across both floors. The combination of structural work, internal reconfiguration, and high-quality joinery demonstrates the benefit of having design and construction managed by a single team.

Project Gallery

Ready to Transform Your Home?

Tell us about your plans for your home in Kingston, Wimbledon, Richmond, Esher, Cobham, Guildford and the surrounding areas. Our design and build team will guide you from first ideas through planning, approvals and construction.