Roof extensions
Roof extensions are the most cost-effective way to maximise the floor area of your house or flat when compared to adding the same floor area with a rear or side extension. Below we have selected some projects to lend architectural inspiration and design ideas for your roof extension or loft conversion.
Start considering how you would like to use your new space, and how it will interact with the rest of your home. It is important that the new extension blends with the rest of the building and is easily accessible, so when considering the staircase think about its long-term use as much as its style.
“How can we best use this new room? Will it be our new master-bedroom, a study space, a nanny’s room? What other bedrooms are available in the house, and what would work best for our changing needs and family?” “Space permitting, how about adding an en-suite, a walk-in wardrobe, or even a coffee area in front of a Juliet balcony?” “What do we think about rooflights in the bedroom? They bring more light into the room but how about the rain ticking on the glass, is it charming or just plain annoying?”
Dormer window extension | The simplest way of extending your roof area is by adding dormer windows, creating some additional space and bringing light into this area which can form a new bedroom or study. Partial or full extension of roof at rear | A partial or full extension of the roof at the rear will give you considerably more space should planning permissions allow. A lot also depends on the existing head height in your loft. The more the maximum head height the more useful a floor area you will be able to add with your roof extension. Side hip-to-gable roof extension | For detached and semi-detached houses this extension offers significant opportunities for expansion subject to the Permitted Development Rights your property might have.
Mansard roof extension | This is appropriate for properties with what is commonly known as “butterfly” or “V” roofs. Such roof extensions practically add a full new level to your property and they can be the perfect solution to houses or flats in conservation areas. The planners will take a view on whether a mansard roof can be added. And here is the rule of thumb when it comes to planning: if the majority of the properties in your terrace have mansard roofs then it is likely the planners will approve an application for a mansard roof to your property. Your local authority will have restrictions in place about how much you can extend, and part of our job is to achieve the maximum potential for this valuable type of home extension. For houses with Permitted Development Rights a larger roof extension will be possible, and this is the first thing for us to have a look at before we start the design development process.
GOAStudio | London residential architecture and interior design is an award-winning practice, specialising in architectural services for residential projects across London.
Our architectural team aims to provide a friendly and professional service. Our approach is based on carefully considering the particular aspects of each scheme before coming up with a creative way for our clients to instil their unique stamp on what we do and how we do it. Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB).