James Street Apartments Luxury Residential Apartment Refurbishment

Value:

£1.65m

Timescale:

24 weeks

The project commenced with the complete strip out of an existing 5 storey, plus basement, office building based centrally within the Covent Garden area. The client had gained planning sign off to alter the 1st to 4th floors into residential apartments with the Ground floor remaining as a retail unit.

Modern, well-decorated living and dining area featuring two grey sofas with colorful geometric cushions, a grey rug, and small round tables with books, plants, and decorative items. A floor lamp with a dark shade stands beside one sofa. The dining area includes a round table set for four with white chairs and a copper pendant light overhead. In the background, an open kitchen with white cabinets and countertops is visible, with bottles and utensils on the counter. The space is well-lit with natural and ceiling lighting.

This residential apartment refurbishment London project transformed an existing building through extensive structural alterations, acoustic upgrades and high-quality interior refurbishment works. Following a comprehensive strip-out, Virtus delivered a series of improvements that enhanced building performance while creating modern residential accommodation, including a duplex apartment connected by a bespoke feature staircase.

Residential Apartment Refurbishment London: Structural and Acoustic Upgrades

Following the initial strip-out, we completed a programme of structural works throughout the building. We introduced new acoustic and fire breaks between each floor to improve privacy, safety and residential living standards.

To support the new layouts, we constructed floor substructures that allowed for the installation of partitions, first-fix services and final finishes. Once the works were complete, we carried out acoustic and air-tightness testing to ensure the refurbished apartments achieved the required performance standards.

Roofing Works and Building Improvements

The refurbishment included significant roofing upgrades to protect the building and improve long-term durability. We installed a new slate roof and constructed a new first-floor roof to accommodate external mechanical plant equipment.

To minimise disruption, we enclosed the plant within acoustic shrouds. Furthermore, we erected a temporary scaffold roof during the replacement works to protect the building and maintain progress on site.

These works improved weather protection, acoustic performance and overall building efficiency.

Duplex Apartment Feature Staircase

One of the standout features of this residential apartment refurbishment London project was the installation of new staircases throughout the communal areas, improving access between floors and enhancing the overall appearance of the building.

In addition, we constructed a bespoke feature staircase linking the third and fourth floors of a duplex apartment. This architectural element became a focal point within the residence while providing a seamless connection between living spaces.

Overcoming Refurbishment Challenges

Like many residential refurbishment projects in London, the building presented several construction challenges. Restricted access made the movement of labour, materials and equipment more complex throughout the programme.

During the strip-out phase, additional asbestos-containing materials were discovered within the floor voids. Consequently, specialist licensed contractors carried out safe removal works before construction could continue.

The project also required a temporary scaffold roof with extensive back-propping to the front and rear elevations. As a result, certain activities could not proceed until the scaffold had been dismantled.

Furthermore, the contract required the early handover of the ground-floor retail unit while refurbishment works continued elsewhere in the building. Careful planning and coordination enabled multiple contractors to operate safely and efficiently within the same site.

Delivering High-Quality Residential Apartment Refurbishment London

The completed residential apartment refurbishment London project successfully transformed the building into a modern residential development. Through structural upgrades, acoustic improvements, roofing works and premium interior finishes, Virtus delivered high-quality homes that combine functionality, comfort and long-term performance.

Project Gallery

Modern kitchen with light-colored walls and wooden herringbone flooring. A black metal railing surrounds a staircase leading downward. The kitchen includes white cabinets, built-in oven and microwave, and a countertop with items like bottles of oil and a potted plant. A window with white shutters lets in natural light.

Modern bathroom and closet area featuring a wall-mounted sink with a cabinet, a toilet, and a mirrored medicine cabinet. The walls are tiled in light beige. Adjacent is an open closet with sliding doors, hanging clothes, and shelves. A window with white shutters is visible on the right.

Modern kitchen with sleek white cabinetry and a minimalist design. The countertop features bottles of oil, a small container, and a potted plant. An integrated sink with a bronze faucet is on the right. In the background, a dining area with a table and chairs sits near large shuttered windows, with a cushion on the floor nearby.

Modern bathroom with beige tiled walls, featuring a white rectangular sink with a chrome faucet and two toiletry bottles. A mirror above the sink reflects part of the room. To the right is a white toilet with a chrome flush handle, and a towel rack is visible on the far right.

Neatly arranged bedroom featuring a bed with a grey upholstered headboard, white bedding, assorted pillows, and a grey throw blanket. A blue door with gold hardware is on the left, while a white desk with an open book, cup, plant in a woven basket, and other items sits on the right. A brown leather chair is at the desk, and an abstract red and white artwork hangs above it. The floor has a herringbone wood pattern.

Modern bedroom with a neatly made bed, multiple pillows, and a blanket. A small desk with books, a plant, and an orange chair sits beside the bed. The room features light-colored walls, minimalistic decor, and framed artwork. A glass sliding door opens to a bright living area with a chair, round table, plants, and large windows with blinds.

Modern, well-lit living room and kitchen area featuring a grey sofa with multicolored cushions and a blue throw. A patterned cushion rests on the floor. The kitchen includes white cabinets, a built-in oven, and countertop items like jars and bottles. A small round dining table with two chairs sits near shuttered windows, with a framed abstract artwork between them and a black-shaded floor lamp nearby.

Awards and Accreditations

We are committed to being recognised as a modern forward thinking construction company and realise the importance of meeting the standards and expectations of our customers and in recognition of this we are members of Constructionline and CHAS, whilst also having accreditation under ISO9001 & ISO1400.