Vernon House

Refurbishment of a terrace of seven Grade II listed 1840s town houses which had been turned into a nurses’ hostel in the 1960s. 64 self contained studio flats for nurses and three family houses have been created within the existing structure. The sale of the three large houses cross subsidised the renovation costs of the hostel which provides accommodation for the London Clinic. There were no remaining original features in the hostel, and it was considered appropriate that the design of the interior should be contemporary. The studios made the most of the tall ceilings on the lower two floors, creating split level self-contained accommodation with a sleeping platform over shower room and kitchen, leaving generous space for sitting and dining in the double height space. The houses had some features reinstated, including fireplaces. Each house was customised by the purchasers to suit their needs. Walls were insulated internally, floors were sound and fire proofed, and new mechanical ventilation and central energy services installed. Externally, windows were replaced to match the originals, render and details reinstated, and brickwork to the rear repointed. A landscaped communal garden for the nurses was created with place for sitting, barbeques and eating outside.