Luke McLaren and Rob Excell have been friends since childhood. They both went on to become architects and to found the award-winning London firm McLaren Excell, members of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory. The two are bold minimalists: they describe the look they’re after as “a robust simplicity.” But their team of 14 are also specialists in classic craftsmanship and sensitive historic renovations.
Updating this Grade II-listed High Victorian villa in Henley-on-Thames, famous for its annual rowing regatta, required them to put their full skill set to work. The biggest challenge was replacing an existing rear extension that was extensively glazed, double pitched, and, in their words, “clashed with the style and period of the house.” Join us for a look at the house’s new guise.
Photography by Rory Gardiner, courtesy of McLaren Excell.
![the three story structure was built in \1890 and now belongs to an entrepreneur 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-1.jpg)
Invisibles, such as the re-insulated walls and roof space, the architects say, “ensure the ongoing sustainability of this outstanding family home.”
![the double peaked rear extension houses the kitchen and dining area. mclaren ex 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-2.jpg)
![\2\20;brick soffits were used to form deep reveals above the large, glas 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-3.jpg)
![vast windows overlook a water feature designed to \2\20;evoke the sight 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-4a.jpg)
![vast windows overlook a water feature designed to \2\20;evoke the sight 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-5.jpg)
![\2\20;skylights were cornered precisely in the large vaulted space to br 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-6.jpg)
Opposite the sink, there’s a cooktop and two wall ovens. The white paint throughout is Shirting 129 from Little Green..
![the dining area has a view of a japanese inspired courtyard. the leather seats 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-7.jpg)
![in the downstairs living rooms off the extension, divided spaces were opened up 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-8.jpg)
![occupying the entire second floor, the main bedroom suite is a cocoon of oiled 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-11a.jpg)
![each of the three upstairs bathrooms is memorable, especially this one:  26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-12.jpg)
![an arabescato corchia marble clad sink. note that in lieu of a window covering, 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-13.jpg)
![the ceiling on the top floor was exposed to increase the sense of space. a wall 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-9.jpg)
![another grandly serene bathroom with a travertine sink, floor, and tub surround 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bathroom-mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo.jpg)
![a guest room has bedside roy wall lamps from italian brand viabizzuno and 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-11.jpg)
![a window side marble basin. 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-excel-henley-house-rory-gardiner-photo-10.jpg)
The Plans
![a schematic of the back extension and courtyard. 32](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/henley-house-mclaren-excell-schematic-15.jpg)
![the upstairs floors were fully redesigned by the architects. the main bedroom, 33](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-xl-henley-house-floor-plan-first-floor-our-2nd-fl.png)
![the upstairs floors were fully redesigned by the architects. the main bedroom, 34](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mclaren-xl-henley-house-floor-plan-second-floor-our-3nd-fl.png)
Above: There are two bedrooms and baths on the top floor.
Another favorite McLaren Excell project: Lessons in Reinvention: A Victorian Girls’ School Reborn
Frequently asked questions
Who are Luke McLaren and Rob Excell?
Luke McLaren and Rob Excell are childhood friends who both became architects and founded the London firm McLaren Excell, known for their award-winning projects.
What is the design philosophy of McLaren Excell?
McLaren Excell describes the look they're after as 'a robust simplicity' and are known for being specialists in classic craftsmanship and sensitive historic renovations.
What was the biggest challenge in updating the Grade II-listed High Victorian villa in Henley-on-Thames?
The biggest challenge was replacing an existing rear extension that clashed with the style and period of the house.
What material was used for the brickwork of the main house in Henley-on-Thames?
McLaren Excell sourced reddish-pink bricks made by 200-year-old Danish brand Petersen Tegl for their similarity to the brickwork of the main house.
What is the color of the paint used throughout the house?
The white paint used throughout the house is 'Shirting 129' from Little Green.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation