Building Insider: Talking Sustainable Design principles with Sarah Bryant of Bryant Alsop Architecture & Interiors
Heritage homes carry a story in every detail – in their proportions, materials and the craftsmanship that first brought them to life. Renovating these homes isn’t just about preserving what’s there. It’s about making the entire home work as one, balancing old and new without compromise.
At Lewisham in Windsor, Fortem Projects worked alongside Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design to deliver a transformation that carefully balances heritage restoration with a confident contemporary addition.
Projects like Lewisham are where early builder involvement becomes critical. Bringing construction insight into the design process allowed key challenges to be resolved early – ensuring the project could be delivered as intended.
Access to the Lewisham site was via a shared driveway with a neighbouring property – a situation that initially presented challenges for the project.
Early in the process, access was limited and the Protection Works process was progressing slowly. Through consistent communication and a measured approach, the relationship with the neighbour shifted significantly over time. What began as a point of friction ultimately became a cooperative working arrangement, allowing full access throughout construction.
On constrained inner-city sites, outcomes like this don’t happen by chance. They require patience, clear communication and a willingness to manage relationships as carefully as the build itself. In this case, it was critical to maintaining programme and ensuring the project could be delivered efficiently.
The project began with the careful restoration of the original Victorian portion of the home.
Preserving these heritage elements required a methodical approach. Existing structures were strengthened, period detailing was restored, and every element was prepared to ensure the front of the home retained its authenticity.
Working with heritage homes often reveals layers of previous alterations and ageing materials. Our team carefully assessed the existing structure, ensuring the building was stabilised and prepared before new work began.
The goal was simple: respect the original home while ensuring it performs to modern standards for decades to come.
One of the defining architectural moments within Lewisham is the transition between the original home and the contemporary rear addition.
Rather than separating the two eras, the design introduces a large contemporary arched threshold that references the language of the original Victorian arches.
Delivering this feature required more than coordination – it required buildability to be resolved early. The geometry of the arch, the transition between materials, and the integration with structural elements were all carefully considered prior to construction. This ensured the feature could be executed cleanly on site without compromise.
Curved forms demand precision. Every radius must be framed accurately, every substrate prepared carefully, and every finish applied with discipline to achieve a seamless result.
Behind the restored Victorian home sits a double-storey addition designed to maximise liveability within the inner-city site.
The new works introduce expansive living spaces, additional bedrooms and a rooftop terrace designed for entertaining and everyday use.
Constructing this addition behind a retained heritage structure introduced a number of constraints. Protecting the existing home, managing tight site access, and sequencing works correctly were critical to maintaining programme and quality.
Through detailed planning and disciplined site management, Fortem ensured the build progressed efficiently while maintaining the high standard of execution required for a home of this calibre.
As construction progressed, the new addition began to define the home’s contemporary identity – bringing natural light deep into the interior while creating a strong architectural presence at the rear.
While Lewisham is known for its vibrant colour palette and expressive interiors, the success of these finishes relies on what sits beneath them.
High-end finishes demand flawless preparation. Surfaces must be perfectly aligned, junctions resolved with care, and every detail checked before final materials are installed.
Lewisham is also a highly personalised home. The interior incorporates an extensive range of colours and finishes, requiring a high level of coordination across every surface.
In addition, the client’s collection of artwork introduced another layer of complexity. As the project progressed, new pieces were acquired and integrated into the home, requiring ongoing coordination to ensure walls, fixings and spatial allowances could accommodate these elements appropriately.
This level of customisation demands flexibility from the project team and reinforces the importance of clear communication throughout the build.
What appears effortless in the completed home is the result of meticulous preparation, disciplined construction and careful coordination across every stage.
Projects like Lewisham highlight the importance of genuine collaboration between architect, builder and client – particularly on complex renovations.
From the outset, open communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving allowed the team to navigate site constraints, evolving design decisions and detailed architectural features without losing momentum.
As with many bespoke projects, the design evolved throughout construction. Managing these changes required a structured approach to ensure decisions were clearly communicated and integrated without compromising programme or quality.
For Fortem Projects, this collaborative approach is fundamental. Early builder involvement allows key risks – whether structural, logistical or budget-related – to be identified and resolved before they impact construction.
The result is a smoother build process, fewer surprises on site, and a final outcome that reflects the original vision.
The completed Lewisham home demonstrates how heritage restoration and contemporary construction can work together to create something truly distinctive.
The Victorian home remains intact and respected, while the contemporary addition introduces new spaces designed for modern family living.
The result is a home that honours its past while embracing the future – a careful balance of restoration, craftsmanship and thoughtful construction.
If you’re planning a renovation or extension, the biggest gains are made before construction begins.
Engaging a builder early allows key decisions to be tested, refined and costed properly – reducing risk and avoiding unnecessary redesign later.
If that approach aligns with how you’d like to deliver your project, we’d welcome a conversation.
