The three late Victorian houses at the corner of Nevern Square had been converted into small bedsits for over 55s in the 1980s. By 2017, these homes required significant modernisation. We secured planning consent to convert the properties into 16 one and two bedroom flats that meet minimum NDSS space standards.
Numbers 40 and 41 Nevern Square were designated for social rent, while number 42 was sold to cross-subsidise the refurbishment of the other two houses.
Throughout the project, we consulted closely with residents and the planning and conservation officers. Working within the constraints of the original 1880s building fabric, we reconfigured the flats to maximise views over Nevern Square and create dual aspect homes throughout. We reinstated the former entrance at No. 41 and introduced a new lift and fire protected stair to meet modern standards.
We fully insulated the fabric internally with breathable internal wall insulation, installed new double glazed windows throughout, and provided hot water and heating through air source heat pumps located on the roof. Additional improvements include MVHR, PV panels, enhanced roof insulation, cycle storage, and refuse and recycling storage at the rear of the building.
We improved all EPC ratings from E and F to B. Our airtightness testing achieved an impressive 4.0 m³/h.m², and we reduced space heating demand by 75%, from 120 kWh/m² per year to 30 kWh/m² per year. These discrete but significant modifications preserved the conservation area’s character while delivering a significant reduction in energy bills for Peabody tenants.
