Non Boxy Lofty

"This extraordinarily imaginative use of a loft space turned a small poky flat into a space that seems bigger than its footprint and more luxurious than its surroundings suggest." - Kunle Barker, Property Expert and Broadcaster, 2022 Judge

F&F wanted to overcome a reticience from councils to embrace the detail of more challenging designs in ‘boxy’ lofts. The extension shows how split level living spaces can work really well at loft level to provide dynamic living spaces for those without a private garden. The project reimagines a way in which to work within the existing front roof volume by creating a double height sitting room that stretches up to meet the kitchen.

To bring as much light into the landing and living spaces as possible a perforated metal staircase drops through the spaces connecting the two levels. Red zinc was used to clad the loft spaces with a sedum roof bringing a biodiverse habitat to the top of the building.

Learn more about Fraher & Findlay Architects

"We were really limited on the footprint of the building - we only had the existing attic footprint and a possible standard loft extension volume to turn a dark and compromised 1 bedroom flat into a luxurious 2 bedroom flat - we had to focus on compact design to make the spaces feel as large as possible." - Elizabeth Webster, Design Director & Sindy Took, Project Manager, Fraher and Findlay