Loft Conversion in a Conservation Area

Overview

Location:

South Woodford, East London, E18

Type of Conversion:

Inset Dormer – 1 Bed, 1 Shower Room

Duration of Build:

8 weeks

Background:

Our clients, a young, professional couple, wanted to secure more living space by extending their mid-terrace home with a loft conversion in the conservation area of south Woodford, East London.

As their home is in a designated conservation zone, a place with a high concentration of historic buildings, the first step was acquiring planning permission from Redbridge Council. Being in a conservation area meant that the loft renovation was subject to extra planning controls and considerations. These are in place to ensure that any proposed alterations will maintain the home’s original style and character, helping preserve architectural features and keep the appearance of the area’s older properties.

"With planning permission approved, we were able to convert the compact loft space in this cottage style mid-terrace into a bright, airy loft bedroom and shower room."

Matthew and Helen, Homeowners

small loft conversion in a conservation area ideas

Result

To meet local conservation planning requirements, we designed and constructed an inset dormer. This involves constructing a classic box-shaped dormer which sits slightly below the roof ridge and approximately half a meter in from the neighbours’ party walls. The recessed design means that the dormer doesn’t protrude above the roof, helping maintain a clean, consistent roofline with the neighbouring terraces.

With the exterior loft structure in place, we focussed on optimising every inch of the interior.

We have several design tricks for maximising space in a small loft conversion.

To add valuable space, we carried out the following:

Adding a sliding fire-proof pocket door leading from the landing into the new loft, saving space where a door would normally open
Making room for a shower room by configuring and shortening the new loft staircase while still maintaining the appearance of a full-size staircase with wood banister
Installing a fully tiled shower room, which functions as a wet room, removing the need for a shower tray and screen
Adding double Velux skylights into the sloped roof allowing in lots of light, also by positioning the bed under the slope the rest of the bedroom and bathroom benefits from the full height ceiling
Constructing bespoke angled fitted wardrobes into the sloped ceiling, adding plenty of storage to keep the space neat and organised
Decorating in light, cool colours, making the loft feel light and airy
Finishing with wide wood floorboards which have fewer seams, opening up the floor and making the loft room appear bigger

To maintain the period look of the property, Velux conservation rooflights were installed in the sloping roof. These are ideal for conservation loft renovations as their recessed profile blends into the roof structure, while the dark grey casing and central glazed bar is reminiscent of traditional Victorian cast iron rooflights.

To blend the appearance of the new dormer with the original home, the exterior was clad in grey natural slate tiles to match the existing roof tiles.

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