As one ambles through the storied lanes of Cardiff Bay, the graceful presence of St Line House is unmistakable. This Grade II listed mid-terrace building, with its origins dating back to 1900, once served as a government office. Today, thanks to the ambitious efforts of Willow Property Group, it has been reimagined into 18 sleek, contemporary apartments, spanning five storeys and 10,000 sq ft. To gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable transformation, I had the pleasure of conversing with Amelia Hughes, a project manager at Willow Property Group.
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Meeting Amelia Hughes in the exquisitely refurbished lobby of St Line House, her zeal for the project was immediately evident. She passionately described the intricate process of maintaining the building’s historical integrity while simultaneously upgrading it to meet the demands of modern living.
“Preserving the building’s external historic features was a crucial objective for us,” Amelia explained. “St Line House is a vital part of Cardiff Bay’s architectural heritage, and we aimed to honour that legacy while adapting it to contemporary needs.” This restored grandeur involved a meticulous balance of restoration and modernisation. The team preserved the building’s original façade, ornate cornices, and grand entrance while integrating state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technologies.
Energy efficiency stood as a cornerstone of Willow Property Group’s refurbishment strategy, yielding impressive results. The incorporation of air source heat pumps, enhanced wall and ceiling insulation, and secondary window glazing significantly boosted the building’s energy performance certificate rating from E to B. “With the current high cost of energy, the technology we implement in our projects has gained significant attention,” Amelia noted. “People are more conscious of sustainability and recognise that energy-efficient solutions can reduce their monthly expenses while also minimising their carbon footprint.”
During a tour of one of the completed apartments, it was evident that every detail had been meticulously considered. The spaces were airy and inviting, seamlessly blending modern amenities with the building’s historic character. Notably, the secondary glazing on the windows was nearly imperceptible, preserving the aesthetic appeal while enhancing thermal performance.
The transformation of St Line House was facilitated by a £1.4 million funding package from Lloyds Bank’s Clean Growth Finance Initiative (CGFI), which offers discounted lending to support sustainable projects. This financial backing was crucial in realising Willow Property Group’s vision. “The support from Lloyds Bank has been invaluable,” Amelia acknowledged. “It has enabled us to revitalise an iconic site in one of Cardiff’s most desirable areas, while also contributing to the UK’s supply of sustainable housing.”
Seventeen of the apartments have already been acquired by the housing association United Welsh, ensuring that these beautifully refurbished spaces will have occupants for years to come. The remaining unit, marketed as a ‘commercial unit for contemporary living,’ presents a unique opportunity for a business to prosper in this historic setting.
Willow Property Group, established in 2018 by Pouyan Zolfagharnia and three partners, has evolved from developing smaller private properties to tackling larger projects like St Line House. The company’s commitment to sustainable development is evident in every aspect of their work on this project. “The ongoing support we’ve received from Lloyds Bank will influence how we approach future developments,” Amelia stated. “We are committed to creating sustainable, energy-efficient homes that honour the past while embracing the future.”
As our conversation drew to a close, I found myself admiring the vision and dedication that had gone into the rejuvenation of St Line House. This project transcends mere refurbishment; it preserves a slice of Cardiff’s history while setting a precedent for a sustainable future.
Leaving St Line House, I was imbued with a renewed appreciation for the significance of thoughtful development and the pivotal role of sustainability in our evolving urban landscapes. Willow Property Group’s efforts exemplify the potential to respect our architectural heritage while welcoming the innovations that tomorrow brings.
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