Oriel House: Planning Approved for a Deep Retrofit in Queen’s Park, London

Some houses have history. Others have potential. Oriel House has both.

Nestled in the Queen’s Park Conservation Area, this Victorian mid-terrace home has stood for over a century. But times change, and so must our buildings. The world is warming, energy costs are soaring, and the way we think about our homes is evolving. We’re delighted to share that planning permission has just been granted for Oriel House, paving the way for a deep, future-proof retrofit that will transform this house into a low-energy home for the next generation.

A House Reimagined

At the heart of this transformation is a bold yet simple idea: make the home work harder, smarter, and greener.

After exploring various ground-floor extension options, the Client landed on a corner oriel window - a striking yet understated addition that subtly changes how the house is used. It’s more than just extra space; it’s a place to pause, to sit with a coffee, to look out at the garden. A small move with a big impact. The ground floor opens up, making way for an expansive kitchen, dining, and living area designed to bring people together.

Upstairs, a new dormer extension on the second floor creates room for a bedroom and workspace, responding to the way we live today - blending home and work, life and rest, seamlessly.

But this project isn’t just about adding space. It’s about redefining what a Victorian home can be in the 21st century.

An EnerPHit Standard Home: Comfort Meets Performance

We don’t just want this house to be better. We want it to be future-ready. That’s why the Client has committed to meeting EnerPHit standards, the Passivhaus benchmark for retrofitting existing homes.

What does that mean in real terms? It means saying goodbye to gas. It means lower energy bills. It means a home that stays warm in winter and cool in summer - without waste, without compromise.

Here’s how we’ll do it:

• High-performance triple glazing to trap warmth inside during winter and keep the heat out in summer.
• Airtightness measures to prevent drafts and unnecessary heat loss.
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) - because fresh air should never come at the expense of warmth.
• Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), swapping gas boilers for a cleaner, more efficient heating solution.
• Cutting the gas supply completely, making this an all-electric, future-proof home.
• Super-insulated walls, floors, and roof, exceeding Building Regulations and minimising heat demand.
• Thermal bridge reductions, because every cold spot is an opportunity lost.
• Solar PV panels, turning the home into a tiny power station.

Beyond Energy Efficiency: A Home That Feels Better

Numbers and efficiency ratings are one thing. But what really matters is how a home feels.

With this retrofit, comfort isn’t just a bonus - it’s the goal. No more cold corners. No more stifling summer heat. Just a home that works with the seasons, instead of fighting against them. A home that breathes properly, heats efficiently and runs effortlessly - so the people inside can focus on living, not adjusting thermostats.

What’s Next?

With planning now approved, we’re stepping into the next phase: bringing this vision to life. There’s a lot of work ahead. But that’s where the magic happens.

A Victorian house that once relied on fossil fuels will soon stand as a model for sustainable living in Queen’s Park. Less energy. More comfort. Built to last.

We’ll be sharing updates as we go. Because projects like this aren’t just about one home - they’re about redefining what’s possible for every home.

Oriel House is just the beginning.

If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3947 5886

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