Flat extensions London
Inspiration and ideas
Below we have selected some projects to lend architectural inspiration and design ideas for your roof extension or loft conversion.
Design aspirations
You might find yourself walking in a rather small and modest flat that instantly makes you feel at home, the spaces seem to flow, there is a clear sense of orientation even if you have never set foot in this property before, and if you happen to look carefully you will probably find lots of storage space hidden away from view in the most surprising places. This is what we aim to achieve and we will need your help to understand what is important to you since this is what will drive our decision making. During the design development stage we will get to explore lots of ideas, but you can start the process now by considering answers to questions as such:
“What are the top three things we like about the flat, and what are the top three things we want to change as part of extending and re-designing it?” “Do we have a specific budget ceiling, and where do we want the money spending to be focussed on? What are the special elements of the design we do not want to compromise and where can we be more flexible within the context of our budget?” “What are the provisions of my Lease, or Share of Freehold Agreement, and how do we need to go about securing Freeholder Approval for the building works?”
Types
The possible extension options to a flat extension largely depend on the relationship between the flat and the ground level: Ground level | Garden flats can have a linear relationship with the garden, (the rear wall is of a straight line) or typically there is an L-shaped layout that opens up the flat both to the rear and side parts of the garden. Rear and side extensions look to add floor space, create better sightlines to the garden, and improve access to natural light. They often require a complete redesign of the existing layout of the flat and such extensions look to create opportunities for larger kitchen areas and additional bedrooms.
Upper level | Roof extensions, including mansard roof extensions when the property is in the right area, add substantial value and floor area to flats. It is worth remembering that flats do not have Permitted Development Rights under planning, which means that only small dormer extensions are typically allowed by the Council. What might be possible in design terms will mostly depend on the existing head heights in the loft space and how the staircase can be designed so it maximises the available habitable space while at the same time minimising any disruption to the level below.
GOAStudio | London residential architecture and interior design is an award-winning practice, specialising in architectural services for residential projects across London.
Our architectural team aims to provide a friendly and professional service. Our approach is based on carefully considering the particular aspects of each scheme before coming up with a creative way for our clients to instil their unique stamp on what we do and how we do it. Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB).