The short answer is yes. You can renovate a Grade 2 listed building, but you will need to obtain permission from the local authority before doing so, Grade 2 listed buildings are considered to be of special architectural or historic interest, and as such, they are protected by law. This means that any changes you want to make to the building, including renovations, must be approved by the local authority to ensure that they are in keeping with the building’s historic character. In some cases, the local authority may also require you to use specific materials or techniques in order to preserve the building’s historic features. It is important to work closely with the local authority and follow their guidelines in order to ensure that your renovations are carried out properly and in a way that respects the building’s historic significance.
Renovation of a Grade 2 listed Building
Architecture firm Studio Razavi with offices in London and Paris renovated this 6-story house located in a classical Victorian neighbourhood in central London. As such, the grade II listed status of the building aims to keep the aesthetics of the original period both inside and outside, giving a well‐defined style that needed to be restored and preserved.
Intending to enhance this particular architecture, we gambled to use a contrasting strategy. The varied furniture collection of the client, in particular, the Arts & Crafts and Italian mid-XXth century pieces are the focal components that helped to give a harmonious continuity throughout the house. This statement was also adopted for the fitted joinery pieces with different combinations of materials and crafted details.
Another main feature is the two extensive gardens in front of the main facades which offer a great variety of beautiful views and captures a considerable amount of natural light on all the floors. The new minimal conservatory with its exposed structure is the apex of the eclecticism and also the focal point where the internal perspectives merge with the exterior.
Can you knock through walls in Grade 2 listed building?
Knocking through walls in a Grade 2 listed building is generally not allowed, as it can damage the building’s historic fabric and character. If you want to make changes to the internal layout of a Grade 2 listed building, you will need to obtain permission from the local authority before doing so. In most cases, the local authority will only grant permission for alterations if they are deemed to be necessary and if they can be carried out in a way that does not harm the building’s historic character. In some cases, it may be possible to open up space by removing non-original partitions or by inserting new doorways, but this will need to be carefully planned and approved by the local authority. It is important to work closely with the local authority and follow their guidelines in order to ensure that any alterations are carried out properly and in a way that respects the building’s historic significance.
Photos by Lorenzo Zandri
