- Project: Dolphin Square
- Architect: GRID Architects
- Location: United Kingdom, City of Westminster, London
- Year: 2025
- Area: 74000 m2
- Photography: Nick Guttridge, Paul K Porter
Dolphin Square, the iconic 1930s residential estate in Pimlico, London, has been meticulously revitalized by GRID Architects and Interiors. This restoration not only safeguards its architectural legacy but also redefines it for modern urban living. Originally conceived by Stanley Gordon Jeeves as a self-contained residential utopia, Dolphin Square has once again become a beacon of innovation, community, and sustainability in central London.
Honoring History, Embracing Modernity
Spanning 7.5 acres along Grosvenor Road, Dolphin Square includes 1,234 private rental apartments across 13 buildings, each named after historic naval navigators. The heart of the estate is formed by 3.5 acres of Grade II-listed landscaped gardens—originally envisioned as a tranquil escape within the city.
Following its 2020 acquisition by AXA IM Alts, the estate’s restoration was entrusted to GRID Architects and Interiors, whose design approach delicately balances historic preservation with environmental and lifestyle enhancements. Their goal: transform the estate into a future-proof development that serves residents’ evolving needs while retaining the spirit of Jeeves’ original vision.
A Grand Entrance Reclaimed
A major architectural intervention was the dramatic reconfiguration of the Chichester Street entrance, which had over time replaced the originally grand Grosvenor Road frontage. By replacing enclosed spaces with a new two-storey pavilion and double-height lobby, GRID Architects reintroduced natural light, restored views into the Moroccan Gardens, and emphasized vertical connectivity with elegant staircases and lift core integration.
Echoing Jeeves’ iconic tripartite arches, the design features glazed double-height street-facing arches and bridge-like circulation routes that enhance both the spatial and emotional experience of arrival.
Interiors that Respect the Past
Internally, GRID Interiors redefined each apartment house with a tailored aesthetic, incorporating 1930s-inspired details such as fluted timber paneling, while adapting layouts for open-plan living. Outdated compartmentalized kitchens and small rooms were replaced with functional modern interiors—now including expanded kitchens, integrated storage, upgraded bathrooms, and refined circulation paths.
New mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), discreet soffits, and integrated ductwork all serve both form and function—delivering clean air and high energy performance while maintaining an uncluttered interior language.
Reinventing Leisure for the 21st Century
Leisure amenities, long part of Dolphin Square’s identity, have been thoroughly upgraded. The gym, now expanded and re-equipped, sets a new standard for residential fitness. Unused storerooms were converted into treatment and yoga studios. The squash courts received performance and spectator upgrades.
Phase Two, currently underway, will deliver a reimagined swimming pool, spa, and leisure reception area. One standout feature: the restoration of concealed glass block skylights, now reborn as structural rooflights to bathe the pool area in daylight—reconnecting visitors to the architectural clarity of the original design.
Sustainability at the Core
The estate’s original concrete frame and single-glazed windows once led to excessive energy consumption. GRID tackled these issues head-on, replacing over 2,000 windows with heritage-style double-glazed units, decommissioning gas heating, and installing 40+ air source heat pumps and MVHR systems.
Sustainability measures were carefully adapted to the estate’s conservation status. Green leases were introduced, and new roof plant was subtly integrated to avoid visual disruption. As a result, CO₂ emissions are set to drop by 95%, aligning Dolphin Square with modern ESG expectations.
Phased Restoration: From Strategy to Reality
Phase One completed the transformation of Rodney, Duncan, and Beatty Houses—encompassing 363 apartments. Shared lobbies, lift areas, and entrances were redesigned with historic references, while ensuring robust thermal and acoustic performance.
The former bistro was converted into a centralized management suite, streamlining operations and improving resident services.
By 2025, the project will culminate in a fully restored and reenergized Dolphin Square—marking a rare achievement in London’s urban regeneration landscape.
A Lasting Legacy
According to Roshan Ramlugun, Residential Sector Lead at AXA IM Alts:
“GRID Architects delivered a sensitive and transformative scheme. Their respect for the estate’s heritage and deep understanding of its character ensured a timeless upgrade that resonates with both past and future residents.”
Laurence Osborn, Director at GRID Architects, summarized:
“This is a legacy project. Dolphin Square embodies British modernism and London’s evolving identity. Our role was to protect and reinterpret that legacy for the next generation.”
