Walthamstow #108

Project Overview:

The property is a Victorian mid-terrace home located in Walthamstow.

The project was focussed on the conversion of the existing unused attic space, together with an extensive L shaped dormer extension to both the main roof and rear projection roof, providing 2 additional bedrooms and a small shared shower room. In addition, the small existing 3rd bedroom and family shower room at first floor level, were merged to provide a better-proportioned family bath and shower room, with dedicated laundry and boiler cupboard.

The ridge height of the existing house was too low to enable a straightforward attic conversion, and as such the ceilings to the rear bedroom and landing at first floor had to be dropped to provide the required head height over the stair. The ceilings were left as existing to the master bedroom to the front of the house, and this is reflected in a large step running the width of the new attic bedroom. Whilst this provides a zone of lower head height, this zone works really well in a bedroom (particularly where the bed is positioned) and allows us to minimise the impact to the main formal bedroom in the house.

The new stair to the attic was relatively complicated due to the half-landing required to the rear projection dormer, and then an additional smaller run to the main dormer extension above. Whilst unconventional, the stair is comfortable and works well, and is a feature of the simple and pragmatic design approach that we used. A relatively large flat rooflight was then added above the landing to maximise natural light to the stair and half-landing below, and also to provide natural ventilation to the stair.

In addition to the main works, new timber composite windows were installed to all upper floor windows to the rear of the property, improving the appearance, thermal performance, and levels of light to the property. New column radiators were also added to all upper floor rooms, and a new boiler and Megaflo system were also installed to improve the central heating and domestic hot water throughout the property.

Team:

Architect: ARCHEA

Building Control: Assent South East

Engineer: Design & Build

Contractor: Abbey Lofts