INSIDER INSIGHT

EXPERT ADVICE ON THE LOFT CONVERSION TO MEET EVERY NEED

stairs should not be an afterthought, tempting though it is to focus all thoughts on the space itself.

‘if a new staircase is required, consult an architect so it conforms to building requirements,’ says mike Grenier, national design team manager at neville Johnson. ‘Consider not just access, but also its impact on the floor below.’ also, be aware that light can affect material choices. ‘small spaces benefit from glass balustrades that maximise natural light,’ says mike. ‘laser-cut steel designs are also becoming popular.’

roof windows are an easy way to draw light into a loft. ‘top-hung designs are ideal if space is short,’ says Grant sneddon, product manager at velux. ‘velux windows (from £340) can bring in three times as much light as dormers. we recommend they take up 15 to 20 per cent of the floor space.’ Custom-made blinds and shutters can be added and there are lots of glazing options. ‘our triple glazing includes noise reduction, solar cells that retain the sun’s heat and reduce energy bills, and easy-clean coatings.’ try the mydaylight app to visualise skylights in your space.

Good storage is vital. furniture maker nathalie de leval, specialises in bespoke designs. ‘plan what you need and where it will go,’ she advises. ‘the trick is to avoid it looking like a room surrounded by cupboards. you can disguise doors with panelling.’ think about variety, too. ‘have a mix of long-term storage that you don’t need every day, and more accessible elements like open shelves or units on wheels that pull out of recesses.’

floors and Ceilings offer the best opportunities for gaining extra space. ‘Consider dormers or even a mansard roof,’ says rodrigo moreno masey of morenomasey. ‘a structural engineer can ensure the floor’s strong enough, but that means it could get thicker,’ he adds. you should look at the latest super-thin materials, according to Colin erridge of lyndon Goode architects. ‘stressed plywood floorcoverings are strong and reduce floor depth,’ he says.

building regulations ‘it’s key to know whether a property has permitted development rights, as these offer great chances to add floors, galleries and roof terraces,’ says silvia alcantara of alcantara evans architects. Juliet Quintero of dallas-pierce-quintero, advises looking at planningportal.co.uk. ‘engaging an architect helps you negotiate the process and is worth the investment,’ she says. ‘we work with a “right of light” consultant to advise on impact to neighbouring homes.’ find local architect practices on the riba website, architecture.com.

“USE UPLIGHTERS on THE FLOOR To WASH LIGHT over WALLS AND CEILING, AND SPECIFY THE LARGEST WINDOWS you CAN” SUZY HOODLESS, interior designer, suzyhoodless.com