Uplands House
The conversion of an iconic Edwardian Villa into 5 generous, dual aspect apartments overlooking The Vine in central Sevenoaks.
In a prominent location, on the western side of the The Vine in the very centre of Sevenoaks, Uplands House is part of The Vine Conservation Area and is locally listed. Uplands has a rich history, but suffered from insensitive alterations over time and became unsustainable as a single family dwelling. In 2015 AV Architects were commissioned to prepare a design to covert the building into apartments. To create a sustainable design, respectful to neighbours and appropriate to the conservation area. The final design was granted planning permission at Sevenoaks Councils Development Control Committee on 24th May 2018.
Historic Photographs
“Do not underestimate how difficult it was to find an architect who could implement our instructions to produce a sustainable design that is respectful to our neighbours and is appropriate to the conservation area. Our quest started in 2010 with a disappointing design, and was followed in 2012 by another slightly better one. It wasn’t until late 2015 that we found Neil Edwards, who has, we believe, done a fantastic job. ”
Proposed Elevations
The design does not seek redevelopment for a contemporary scheme, but extensions and alterations to the existing dwelling to accommodate apartments within a traditional detailed built form.
All the apartments are dual aspect with outlook to the front and rear of the building. As such they would experience good levels of natural lighting and outlook. Each is generously sized and has access to private amenity space either in the form of a terrace or garden area or both.
While on plan form the resultant extensions occupy a significant proportion of the width of the site, by reason of their positioning, height and design, they preserve the character and appearance of the street scene, and those aspects of the conservation area which contribute positively to its character.
