Brookside

GHA undertook the sustainable retrofit of a five-storey Victorian townhouse on Brookside in central Cambridge, creating high-quality accommodation for an education trust.

The 1870s property, within the New Town area of the Cambridge Central Conservation Area, had been altered throughout the 20th century. Our work focused on restoring its character while improving energy efficiency and modern comfort.

The internal layout was reconfigured to create a more coherent flow, with kitchens and bathrooms relocated and walls removed to improve light and space. The retrofit included internal insulation, upgraded glazing, electrics, heating, ventilation and lighting, as well as restoration of original finishes. Fire safety was also enhanced to meet current standards and improve access and usability.

Delivered in collaboration with John Arkwright & Co and Bob Black Construction, the project drew on the skill of local specialists. Bespoke joinery, including sash windows by Law & Lewis, and detailed finishing by Giuseppe Piran, contributed to the quality of the refurbishment. Interior design by Kate Sadler brought a refined and cohesive atmosphere throughout.

A new garden annexe is under construction to provide additional accommodation, and we are also working with the same client on a further heritage retrofit on Thompson’s Lane.

This project reflects our approach to heritage building refurbishment: combining considered design, sustainability and craftsmanship to adapt historic properties for contemporary use.

Short videos showing the Brookside project before and during refurbishment can be found on our YouTube channel — visit www.youtube.com/@grahamhandleyarchitects to see more about the process and our approach.