Wanstead #104

Project Overview:

The property is a 1930's semi-detached 3.5 bedroom family home in Wanstead.

The property had previously been separated into 2 separate flats, as such the first phase of the brief was to regularise the property as a single dwelling.

The property itself was in good condition and had previously been refurbished to a good level by the client, however, the arrangement of the ground floor was awkward and the 3 key functions (living, kitchen and dining) were disparate and didn't work for family life on various levels. Also as the property was only 3.5 bedroom, a new large main bedroom and ensuite were also required within the attic.

The biggest challenge with the brief was making best use of the attic space and reconciling the position of the new attic stair, given that the property was semi-detached with a hipped roof. Based on this limitation, an application for a hip-to-gable conversion was applied for, and approved, under a Lawful Development Certificate, based on Permitted Development rights.

With a larger, traditional ridged roof, we were then able to configure the stair to work as a continuation of the existing first floor stair, and were afforded plenty of space to provide a generous main suite including dressing area and ensuite bathroom. We also provided large sliding glazed doors to the main dormer, with a discreet frameless internal glazed balustrade, to offer expansive and uninterrupted views from the bedroom.

At ground floor we removed a large downstairs bathroom (a legacy from the property previously being subdivided) which generated space for a dedicated utility & laundry room, and also allowed us to increase the size of the existing rear dining room, to provide a large informal family lounge. A wraparound side infill and rear extension were added to enable a new, light, dining area, with direct access to a new raised terrace, and also allowed a large knock-through to a new extended open-plan kitchen.

The project also included a new compact under-stair WC, replacement front porch, new timber composite windows to the rear, a new heating system throughout (including new column radiators and a hot water underfloor heating system to the rear extension), together with a full upgrade of the garden, including new garden studio.

Specifications & finishes were coordinated with the client and contractor to establish a high quality finish & aesthetic tailored to the client's personal requirements.

Team:

Architect: ARCHEA

Building Control: Assure Building Control

Engineer: David Nogaideli

Contractor: Summit Group