35 Cambridge Road – Commercial to Residential Conversion

Project Overview

35 Cambridge Road is a property investment and conversion project involving the transformation of an underutilised commercial premises and associated basement space into two self-contained one-bedroom residential flats.

At Home Services was appointed to deliver the conversion, taking the existing commercial accommodation through the construction and fit-out process to create two independent residential units.

Located within a conservation area, the project demonstrates how existing commercial property can be successfully repurposed to create new residential accommodation and unlock greater value from an existing asset.

Challenges and Requirements

The project required the existing building to be adapted from its previous commercial use into accommodation suitable for the residential market. Key considerations included:

1. Maximising the Existing Asset: The internal layout needed to make efficient use of the available floor area to successfully accommodate two independent one-bedroom flats within the existing building.
2. Change from Commercial to Residential Use: The conversion introduced substantially different requirements for the building fabric, internal configuration, fire safety, acoustics, ventilation and building services.
3. Conservation Area Setting: The property’s location within a conservation area required consideration of the existing building and the character of the surrounding area while undertaking the conversion.
4. Fire & Acoustic Separation: Creating two independent dwellings required appropriate fire-resisting and acoustic separation between the units.
5. Integration of New Services: Electrical, heating, plumbing and ventilation systems had to be incorporated into an existing building and configured to support the two new dwellings.
6. Regulatory Compliance: The conversion required coordination of the works with Building Control and delivery of the upgrades necessary for the property’s new residential use.

Project Execution

At Home Services delivered the works required to transform the former commercial premises into two completed residential properties. In addition to undertaking the construction works, we worked collaboratively with the client throughout the conversion, providing practical advice on how the proposed layouts could be improved to make better use of the available space and create more functional and attractive homes for future occupants.

Our recommendations included removing a proposed rear door from the bathroom and replacing it with a window, allowing the bathroom to function as a more conventional and private residential space. Access to the garden was instead provided through French doors from the bedroom, creating a stronger connection between the living accommodation and the private external space.

We also identified an opportunity to utilise otherwise unused space within the hallway to form a dedicated storage cupboard, providing valuable additional storage without compromising the usable floor area of the flat.

The works included:

• Layout Development & Client Advice: Practical input into the proposed layouts to maximise usability, available space and the appeal of the completed properties.
• Internal Reconfiguration: Alteration of the existing commercial accommodation to create efficient layouts for two self-contained one-bedroom flats.
• Complete Residential Fit-Out: Formation and installation of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living accommodation.
• Improved Garden Access: Alteration of the proposed layout to provide French doors from the bedroom directly onto the private garden.
• Integrated Storage: Creation of additional built-in storage within previously underutilised hallway space.
• Fire & Acoustic Upgrades: Installation of appropriate fire protection and sound-insulation measures between the individual dwellings.
• Mechanical & Electrical Services: New and altered electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation installations to support the residential conversion.
• Building Fabric Improvements: Repairs and upgrades to the existing building fabric as part of the change of use.
• Internal Finishes: Plastering, carpentry, flooring, decoration and associated finishing works throughout both properties.
• Building Control Coordination: Management and coordination of construction requirements arising through the Building Control process.

Outcome

The completed project successfully transformed an underutilised commercial property into two self-contained one-bedroom flats, creating two individual residential assets from the existing premises and maximising the property’s potential for the client.

Throughout the conversion, At Home Services worked collaboratively with the client to identify opportunities to improve the proposed layouts and make more effective use of the available space. This included removing the proposed external door from the bathroom and replacing it with a window, providing a more practical and private bathroom arrangement. Direct access to the garden was instead created through new French doors from the bedroom, improving the relationship between the accommodation and its private external space.

We also identified underutilised space within the hallway that could be converted into a dedicated storage cupboard, providing valuable additional storage without compromising the principal living areas.

These changes demonstrate the value of involving At Home Services beyond the physical construction works. By combining practical construction knowledge with an understanding of how spaces will function once occupied, we were able to advise the client on improvements that enhanced the layout, usability and overall appeal of the finished flats.

The project demonstrates how At Home Services can support property investors and developers in unlocking the potential of existing assets, providing practical input on layout and buildability alongside the construction, regulatory compliance and complete fit-out required to take a commercial property through to finished residential accommodation. We are continuing to advise the client on the options for disposal through our local network and established relationships.