Harry and Joe bought their locally listed Victorian property in south-east London some three decades ago.
"The house was built in 1898, so we knew we’d eventually need to replace the roof," says Harry. "We thought we might as well take the opportunity to add convert the loft at the same time. That was the main driver for the project."
After doing some research into local design practices, the couple met with Neil Gaskin of Sketch Architects to discuss their ideas. "We had a vision and knew what we were looking for," says Joe. "We were inspired by New York loft apartments and wanted to capture the views across London."
Article continues belowProject details
- Location South-east London
- Project Loft conversion of Victorian property
- Build route Architect designed, project managed and engaged contractors
- Build cost £4,500sq m
- Build time 22 months
- Architectural designers Sketch Architects
Initial concept
Neil allocated Daniel Lewis to work with the couple on the project. "We always dealt with the same person, which made things easier," says Joe. "We struck up a very good working relationship with him and really felt that he wanted the best for us. Because of that, the design process was very collaborative."
The team at Sketch came up with an innovative idea; to fill the space between the home’s two distinctive roof pitches to create a large new loft. An open-plan living area, work space, versatile bedroom and bathroom would all be arranged throughout the new floorplan.
"To finish the rear of the loft, we chose a large, angled window, rather than a typical boxy dormer loft, which we were keen to avoid," explains Harry.
Planning hurdles
Due to the bold design, the planning permission process proved to be challenging.
"We made an initial application to the local authority, which was refused," says Harry. "Neil tried to address some of their concerns, further reducing the visual impact of some elements, but again planning permission was refused at local authority level."
Neil therefore decided to appeal the decision and, luckily, was successful. "Thanks to Neil’s perseverance, we finally managed to obtain consent after around 14 months," says Joe. "There was a real sense that we were all willing to bear with it and see the project through. A scheme like this requires a tenacious architect who listens and can bring a vision to reality."
Once consent was achieved, Sketch Architects approached three construction companies for quotes. After consideration, Summit Group Building Company was selected.
Work began in June 2022 with the most essential job – installing scaffolding around the historic property. "This included a 'tin-hat' that covered the whole roof," explains Joe.
"The scaffolding was huge – it was a bit shocking – but it meant that a lot of work was done outside, so the disturbance was far less than it could have been." The existing roof was then carefully dismantled.
Finding extra space
Next, the interior floor was taken apart board by board.
"To achieve the look and feeling of space we wanted, we thought we might need to lower the ceilings on the first floor, which we really wanted to avoid," says Harry. "Luckily, Neil found a way to work with some six to eight inches of wasted area below the floorboards."
This meant that the loft floor could be lowered, without affecting the height of the ceilings in the rooms below, resulting in a 2.8-metre-high ceiling in the new space. The new roof was then carefully built from above, meaning that few materials were brought up through the existing property.
In fact, Harry and Joe were able to live in the property during the build. The loft structure was crafted from steel and timber, both of which were craned into place. The huge panes of glass for the angled loft windows were also lifted in. Finally, the loft exterior was clad entirely in slate.
"Towards the end of the build, an opening was created between the floors, making space for a new, custom steel staircase," says Harry.
Of course, there were plenty of obstacles throughout the project.
"A key challenge was preserving the decorative ridge tiles that sit on the original roof," says Neil. "The planners asked that they either be retained or reinstated, but many of the originals broke during demolition. So, we had to source some reclaimed ones to match the style of the originals."
Manhattan calling
By April 2024, the project was complete. The new loft space spans the entire footprint of the house. Modern and bright, the huge glazed window frames allowed unobstructed views across the city.
At either side of the loft, the home’s original brick walls have been left exposed, providing a striking industrial touch that perfectly matches the glazing.
"When you’re in the garden, looking up, you can see the window, but it’s dark and almost blends into the roof," says Joe.
"That’s because the glass features a solar-control film to alleviate solar gain. Despite being daring, the loft is very sympathetic to our neighbours. It was important that from the roadside, no one would be able to tell what we’d done. We’ve managed that brilliantly."
Lessons learned
Taking a fabric-first approach, the loft was heavily insulated to create an energy-efficient, high-performing new structure. The owners learned plenty during the process, too.
"You need an architect to ensure that the proportions will work," says Harry. "Spatially, it’s important to get it right."
As for the best part of the process, the couple fondly remember climbing up a ladder to have a look inside the partially finished loft for the first time.
"Seeing the space opened up and getting a sense of just how much room we were gaining was amazing." says Joe. "We finally got to see the views of the city and the River Thames, too."
With its ultimate juxtaposition between old and new – classic London architecture and Manhattan’s distinctive industrial heritage – the loft is akin to a private apartment, set high above the city. Yet just down a staircase lies a historic Victorian house.
"It’s a unique combination," says Joe. "The loft provides a whole different experience to the house below."
Joe concludes, "It was an ambitious project for a loft conversion, but we certainly have achieved a very elegant alternative to the standard dormer."
For more ideas and inspiration, take a tour of this extended London terrace with a flexible internal layout. Or explore this barn-style self-build in East Suffolk with panoramic countryside views.
