L ofty Ambitions
Ellie and David Parsons swapped their London flat for a run-down semi — transforming it into a four-bed family home thanks to an imaginative extension and loft conversion scheme
A run-down London semi is transformed into a four-bed home, thanks to an imaginative extension and loft conversion
When Ellie and David Parsons were gifted a cot by their neighbours in preparation for the arrival of their second child, it was a lightbulb moment. They had been living in a flat with their young son and soon realised that, with no room to store the crib, they desperately needed more space.
Realising that any attempts to extend their already renovated flat would be futile, the Parsons sought out opportunities in the London neighbourhood they were living in. They found a 1930s 85m2 two-bed, semi-detached house situated on a sloping plot just up the hill from their current flat. Despite the many issues associated with it, including its dilapidated state, the Parsons spotted its potential and snapped it up.
“The state of the house was not good, which meant it was listed at a price we could afford,” says David. “We knew in time the house could become what we needed it to be for our family.”
David, who had recently set up an architectural practice before the move, had been sketching out ideas before the contracts had been exchanged. He arrived at a two-stage scheme: first, a hip-to-gable loft extension that would add two bedrooms, including a master suite, taking advantage of the views towards central London; and secondly, a two-storey extension at the rear that would extend the kitchen on the ground floor and the family bathroom on the first floor. The former achievable under Permitted Development rights, while the latter, given the extension to the first floor bathroom, requiring planning permission, which was duly given.
Creating Loft Space
Work began on the loft conversion by making structural alterations to the ground floor. In order to maximise the height of the loft space, the couple had to reintroduce a spine wall that had been previously removed to create an open plan space on the ground floor. This meant a less complex floor structure in the loft and thus more ceiling height.
“We were keen to do something quite different with the loft. They are, by their nature, big boxes stuck on the back of a roof — not the most attractive thing you can add to your house. We had wanted to use zinc cladding, but had to rein that back in to get it through under Permitted Development. We then spent a lot of time trying to strip away a lot of the details that can make dormers look ugly,” David says.
The loft space created two new bedrooms, one with an en suite. The master suite features a large picture window that offers stunning views towards London, with the new top floor accessed by a staircase in a double-height space that replaced the old box room on the first floor.
Equally as important to the success of the house was ensuring that the communal
spaces were fit for purpose. This was stage two: a kitchen extension as well as a small extension to the first floor bathroom.
Making the Ground Floor Work
“What we needed, and what the house lacked, was just one central area where you could be cooking, working, or playing,” Ellie says. Initially the couple had thought about creating one large open plan space. However, the need for the spine wall and the Building Regs’ requirement, in light of the loft conversion, that all spaces off the stairs had to have fire doors, put paid to that.
The final plan sees the front living room remain separate; it’s now used as a space for Ellie and David to relax in when the kids have gone to bed. The full-width extension added at the rear has created a dining and office space that steps down 800mm from the kitchen — this new room is separated from the hall by a large format pocket door.
The functions of this main living space are further demarcated with the addition of a reading loft (a steel-framed mezzanine) accessed by a small step ladder from the kitchen. This sections off the office space below it by restricting the ceiling height. Connection to the garden – something that was entirely neglected previously – is created by setting the dining space on the same level as the new terrace and then adding sliding doors.
“It’s about having that space that means everybody can be together without stepping on each other’s toes. Its previous layout – a sequence of small rooms – didn’t work well with the way a modern family coexists,” David explains. “We both work, so the time we do get together is important. We don’t necessarily have to be engaging with each other on the same activity, but just being in the same space gives us a much more fulfilling feeling.”
Through their creative scheme the couple have created a four-bed family home that would have otherwise been far out of their budget. “I think if you’re prepared to have a bit of vision and see the potential of other less desirable properties there are some great opportunities to be had,” David concludes. “I think this is a really good example of what can be achieved with what, on the face of it, isn’t the most desirable property.”