Islington, London
Rear Dormer – 2 Bed, 1 Bath
8 weeks
Having a growing family makes many of us crave more space, as was the case with this Absolute Lofts client. Rather than incurring the expense and hassle of moving, a loft conversion was the ideal solution for enlarging their Islington home.
"Our clients love the children’s new loft bedrooms and bathroom. There is lots of additional play space and it allows the first-floor bedrooms to be used as additional bedrooms or office space."
Our client, a professional architect developed the loft drawings, alongside our engineer who provided the structural calculations.
The scope of the project involved refurbishing the existing loft – a traditional timber frame structure – and constructing a dormer extension into the rear sloping roof. As the property met the limits and criteria for a permitted development, planning permission wasn’t necessary.
Adding a rear dormer opened up the entire loft area, allowing space for two children’s bedrooms and a sizeable bathroom.
The first bedroom features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The dormer structure provides ample space for children’s bunk beds, along with storage for clothes, toys and books.
A second child’s bedroom, nestled into the front of the loft, houses a single bed along with plenty of cupboard space. The large Velux window positioned above the bed is perfect for stargazing at bedtime.
To keep the children toasty, we installed Warmup underfloor heating beneath the new hardwood floor.
The hidden radiant heating system keeps rooms comfortably warm, and the design is neat and minimal, as there is no need for radiators. It also keeps energy costs down, as the radiant heat technology warms people and objects in the room, as opposed to traditional heating, which heats the whole space. Our clients were keen to create a practical family bathroom but with a luxurious edge. To complement the property’s heritage, an elegant traditional suite was installed, including classic roll top bath. Metro wall tiles and patterned floor complete the look. Small details, such as curved window handles and traditional taps, give a nod to the home’s Victorian origin.
Connecting the new extension to the rest of the home is a new stairwell. Here we constructed a wooden banister and staircase, tying in with the homeowner’s natural colour scheme. A simple Velux skylight lets in plenty of daylight.
To blend in with the surrounding homes, we clad the dormer sides with dark grey slate tiles. The black frame windows and grey façade add a stylish finish to the home’s exterior.
Our Islington loft conversions are more affordable than you think. Check out our fees here.
What would you do with the space? View our latest loft conversion ideas here.