The Pavilion
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Photos by Timothy Soar Download Original
Built in the late 19th century as a Summer House for the owners of the adjoining estate, the Pavilion faced dereliction and even fire over the course of its history.
Now a private residence, it had been previously extended, but was poorly organised and cramped. A collaborative effort between Luis Trevino (who developed the project from conceptual design to construction documents and has now joined RDA’s team) and RDA, the core aim of this project was to meticulously restore the Grade II listed Pavilion while seamlessly integrating modern living spaces. Our clients wanted to find a way to expand their home while adhering to strict historical limitations, enhancing the Pavilion’s features and maintaining harmony with the surrounding historic parkland. New modern living space is cleverly concealed behind glass that reflects the surrounding Pavilion and gardens. The bathroom and kitchen were relocated to a side and rear extension, discreetly separating the Pavilion from the new addition. The design not only met the clients' physical requirements and budget constraints, but also adhered meticulously to statutory permissions. Through a comprehensive pre-planning consultation, RDA and Luis Trevino determined the maximum allowable extension, obtained listed building consent, and subsequently received approval to demolish the former extension and construct the entirety of the proposed new addition. Long-life design, sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices contribute significantly to the Pavilion’s reduced environmental impact over time. This project uses advanced insulation, energy-efficient lighting, UFH, and Passive energy sources such as solar gain through use of reflective film. Ultimately what outlines The Pavilion as a stand out project is the way it uniquely fuses old and new. The strategic placement of the new extension against the garden wall preserves and enhances the Pavilion's character, while the reflective surface ensures it integrates perfectly with its surroundings
Data
- Begun: Nov 2021
- Completed: Feb 2023
- Floor area: 137m2
- Sector: Residential
- Total cost: £350,000
- Funding: Private
- Tender date: Jul 2021
- Procurement: RIBA Domestic 2018
- Address: The Pavilion, Foots Cray, Sidcup, Bexley, DA14 5DP, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: RDA Architects
- Client: Private
- Structural engineer: Constant Structural Design
- Main contractor: Bespoke Services for Construction and Glazing LTD