SLOW & STEADY
Emily Burnett’s renovation and loft extension presented a ripe opportunity to bring in more light and create a master suite with striking views
‘We didn’t have a big budget so we have had to do things gradually,’ says Emily. ‘We completed the refurbishment first then added the loft. We then redid the kitchen and basement. My style developed as the project progressed. Redoing rooms has made me realise which spaces make me most happy and relaxed: I like light colours and natural materials. I also like feature elements that have a narrative – I know the person who made them, or I spent a long time designing it for a reason.
‘On the ground floor we were focused on bringing light into the space and wanted to create a better connection. The hallway wall was moved to enlarge the entrance area and give the illusion of a more generously proportioned house. Internal windows were added, allowing light to flow through the opened up plan. I wanted to keep a sense of the original house but with a contemporary loft.
‘Although the original rooms are quite clearly Victorian in proportion, we’ve added the modern internal glass screens up through the house from ground floor to loft. Increasing light wherever we could was really important. I enjoy having things that have been crafted for the spaces. The kitchen is by Sebastian Cox for Devol, and you can see the joints of the solid timber panelled doors. The cabinet in the dining room is made from Spelk – a material designed by an RCA design graduate.
‘I love being able to see the timber of the kitchen through the dark wood stain, compared to the white gloss Ikea kitchen
I chose originally. Our house feels a lot more cohesive: the new areas flow well and sit comfortably with the original Victorian build.’
COSTS & CONTACTS
Project cost £100,000
Architect Gruff Architects,
020 8692 9130, gruffarchitects.com Builder RBC Projects Ltd, 07900 818 883
NEIGHBOURLY CONCERNS
Party wall agreements cover shared walls between semi-detached and terraced houses, floors between flats or maisonettes and garden boundary walls or fences. Any other changes that may affect a party wall, such as excavations, also need consideration. You must serve a minimum of two months’ notice before work commences. If you have a good relationship, speak to your neighbours first and ask them to agree in writing – it could save you up to £900 in legal fees.