The house that wheelbarrows built: Portugal Place

In the historic heart of Cambridge, this once-neglected 200-year-old ‘Building of Local Interest’ has been transformed into an elegant home that beautifully bridges centuries of architectural heritage with contemporary living.

The Challenge

Our clients sought the perfect downsizing opportunity; a period residence within walking distance of Cambridge's remarkable city centre. Portugal Place offered exactly that vision, but the building they purchased initially told a different story. After decades of disrepair, the property was structurally unsound and needed complete restoration while preserving its historic character within an important conservation area.

Reached only by a narrow footpath fifty metres from the nearest road, every single material from timber beams to bags of concrete had to be wheeled by hand through a limited pedestrian gate. Our client’s dream of an open-plan living space flowing into their small courtyard garden seemed almost impossible given these extraordinary access constraints.

The Design

Our design delicately balances heritage preservation with 21^st century living.

The front of the house stays true to its period character with restored sash windows, refreshed brickwork and traditional materials.

Behind this historic facade, a carefully designed single storey extension creates the heart of the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows and cleverly angled walls draw in maximum natural light, while premium materials flow seamlessly from inside to out making the redesigned courtyard feel like an extension of the living space. Local Cambridgeshire brick complements the original building, stacked vertically to create visual interest and clearly mark where old meets new.

The restricted access required creative engineering solutions. From mini screw piles suitable for the footpath access, to sectional beams that could be assembled on-site to support the new open plan layout, our team worked with consultants to deliver every detail.

We also transformed this hard-to-reach historic building into a more sustainable dwelling. The extension features a living ‘sedum’ roof that brings year-round greenery and supports biodiversity, while a new air source heat pump tucked away on the roof overcomes space limitations and significantly improves the home’s energy efficiency rating.

The Result

The completed project shows how thoughtful restoration can breathe new life into historic buildings. From the street, Portugal Place is a beautifully maintained period home that enhances Cambridge's architectural heritage. Step inside, and contemporary living spaces filled with natural light create a private retreat in the heart of the city.

Portugal Place proves that the most challenging constraints can inspire exceptional design, creating homes that honour the past while embracing the future.