The design focused on creating a large, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family space that opens out seamlessly to the rear garden. To achieve this, a single storey infill extension was added, and the internal layout was reconfigured to enhance the sense of openness and connection throughout the ground floor.

A key challenge was to ensure the new extension respected and complemented the original form of the house. This was resolved by continuing the roof design of the existing structure and incorporating matching roof tiles to maintain architectural continuity.

A combination of full-height sliding doors and fixed glazing was used to maximise natural daylight and strengthen the connection between the interior and the garden, creating a light-filled, functional and cohesive family living space.

Key Design Features

A key aspect of the renovation was the conversion of the existing loft space. The property already benefited from a generous internal ridge height and a steeply sloping rear roof, which meant dormer windows were not necessary. In fact, introducing dormers would have detracted from the original character and architectural language of the house. Instead, large rooflights were installed to flood the new loft space with natural light and provide essential ventilation.

The house was fully renovated and redecorated throughout, with new windows, doors, and upgraded services, bringing the home up to modern standards while preserving its unique mid-century character.

Staircase Design and Features

One of the standout architectural features of the home is the entrance, hallway, and staircase that connects the ground floor to the upper levels. Originally designed in the late 1960s, the house featured full-height glazing to the front elevation, following the line of the staircase and allowing natural light to cascade through the core of the home. The original staircase was a beautifully crafted dark mahogany structure with open treads and a minimalist balustrade—an iconic detail of the era.

However, with modern building regulations and the needs of a young family in mind, a new staircase design was required. Inspired by the original, the new staircase retains the sense of openness and light, while meeting current safety standards. Constructed from solid oak with open treads in an L-shaped configuration, the staircase is paired with a striking balustrade designed and installed by Fox Design Studio. The bespoke feature comprises a crisscross pattern of black metal rods with a matching black handrail, creating a sculptural centerpiece that spans all levels of the house.

Planning permission for the project was secured through the property’s Permitted Development Rights, with a Certificate of Lawfulness submitted to the Local Authority. As the property is neither listed nor located within a conservation area, its Permitted Development Rights remained intact.

Approval for the ground floor single storey rear extension was obtained under Class A — enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwellinghouse. The loft conversion was approved under Class C — other alterations to the roof, as the existing roof form provided sufficient internal volume. This allowed for the introduction of large rooflights without the need for dormers or additional structural volume.