South Hampstead Conservation Area in Camden NW6
Flats amalgamation and residential renovation to a detached property in Hampstead by GOAStudio architects
The architect’s perspective.
For this amalgamation of 3no. flats in the South Hampstead Conservation Area GOAStudio architects were approached by a homeowner we had worked with previously. The property was owned by a family that had decided to leave London after decades living in this house and our client fell in love with the property, and particularly its garden.
The challenge was to obtain approval for amalgamating the flats and carrying out a number of internal and external alterations to transform the dated interiors and create a contemporary residential property that retained a positive relationship with its heritage setting
Camden planning proved, once again, difficult to navigate with decisions taking too long to process and failing to meet the Council’s own decision target deadlines. This has been a common occurrence with Camden planning over the last 3-4 years and we tried to work closely with the case officers to improve the situation as much as possible
In the meantime we still managed to make some good progress with the rest project and we managed to keep to the overall construction stage timescales, which was important. This was a result of good communication and lots of understanding between the client, the main contractor and the design team who had all worked together before.
The finished project reflects a careful balance between the locality and its characteristics on one hand and a more contemporary approach to modern living on the other hand. The existing residential property was gutted back to the original brickwork with new steelwork added across all floors following a deep retrofit programme that included all finishes, fittings and services.
It was a complete transformation, nothing was left untouched and everything had to be considered in detail by the design team, the client and the main contractor. Special attention was paid to the interior carpentry items that required design input from the interior designer and a specialist contractor to achieve bespoke fittings across the property.
Architectural services: Initial home consultation and architect advice, measured survey and production of a set of drawings as existing, planning stage design and obtaining planning approval, preparation of technical Building Regulations stage information and obtaining Building Regulations approval, support during the construction stage.
WATCH OUR LATEST FILM
Bits and pieces
- Client – Private
- Location – South Hampstead Conservation Area, Camden NW6
- Currently – Completed in Summer 2023
- Interior Design – Ni Design Interiors.
- Photography – Darren Chung
- Video and film – Red Goat Productions
- Architectural services – GOAStudio architects
The planner’s perspective – Conservation and design
“The application site is within the South Hampstead Conservation Area, wherein the Council has a statutory duty to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the conservation area. The South Hampstead Conservation Area Statement identifies this property as making a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.
The existing rear extension will be modestly increased in height by 1.1m, this increase would still allow the extension to appear as a subordinate addition in relation to the host property. The brick would match the existing which is welcomed. A rear raised terrace will be created at ground floor (13.7sqm). It would be enclosed by metal railings. It is noted that raised terraces are not an uncommon feature along this side of the street. Given its scale and siting it would not appear as a dominant addition to the host property or appear out of character.
The existing rear garden stairs would be widened marginally and their replacement would not detract from the host property. The new paving is conditioned to ensure that only permeable paving is installed as this is in a local flood risk zone and a historically flooded street.
The proposal intends to replace all the single glazed windows with double glazing with the scale, siting, materials and opening method to remain the same as existing.
The proposed development is not considered to lead to a significant adverse impact upon the amenities of any neighbouring residents. The development is thus considered to be in accordance with planning policy A1 of the Camden Local Plan. Recommendation: Grant planning permission.”
For broader local context see our Camden architect advice for conservation area homes page where we explain how we approach extensions, renovations and more sensitive homes across the borough.
For similar projects to this Hampstead architects flats amalgamation see the following residential design guides.
HOME DESIGN – Find ideas for your project.
- Side extensions London residential guide
- Rear extensions London residential guide
- Kitchen extensions London residential guide
- Roof extensions London residential guide
- Residential renovations London guide
- Mansard roof extensions London residential guide
- Contemporary extensions London residential guide
- Flat extensions London residential guide
- Garden flat extensions London residential guide
- House extensions London residential guide
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS
We have prepared a guide on the type of Architectural plans you will need for your home project, and a guide specifically for Terraced house extension plans with advice on detached and semi-detached properties.
BOROUGH SPECIFIC ARCHITECT AND PLANNING GUIDES FOR YOUR HOME PROJECT
Your local Council will have in place design and planning requirements for your home project and you will need to obtain planning approval for a wide range of extensions and alterations to your property.
When you get in touch we will offer you detailed advice about what is likely that your Council will approve and in the meantime we have prepared the following architectural and planning guides that include extracts of the relevant planning policy and examples of our projects in our Borough.
Barnet architects | Planning and design homeowner guide, Camden residential architect and planning guide, Enfield residential architect and planning guide, Hackney residential architect and planning guide, Hammersmith Fulham residential architect and planning guide, Haringey architects | Planning and design homeowner guide and planning guide, Islington residential architect and planning guide, Kensington and Chelsea Conservation architects, residential and planning guide, Lambeth residential architect and planning guide, Lewisham residential architect and planning guide, Newham residential architect and planning guide, Tower Hamlets residential architect and planning guide, Waltham Forest residential architect and planning guide, Wandsworth residential architect and planning guide, Westminster residential architect and planning guide
Request a free Feasibility Review
If you're not quite sure what’s possible, or whether now’s the right time, we can help you make an informed start.
Send over your address, a few photos, and a short outline of what you're hoping to achieve.
We’ll take a look at your site context, planning history, and potential constraints and respond with early advice tailored to your home and circumstances.
Email us with the subject “Feasibility Review” or send us your information through our Contact us page.
Book a Home Consultation
It is the ideal first step if you are planning works to your home or if you are in the middle of purchasing a property in need of renovation.
George will visit the property to understand its character, how you use the space day to day, and offer advice on all relevant design and other matters.
You will come away with a clear sense of your next steps and greater confidence to make informed decisions. The consultation (2hrs, £250 +VAT) is a standalone service with no obligation to proceed.
Visit our Contact us page to book.
Not sure where to start with your renovation or extension?
Read this before you meet an architect, speak to a builder or spend money on drawings.
This free, architect-prepared guide walks you through the 15 essential questions every homeowner should ask before starting a project.
"Should we renovate, extend… or walk away?
15 Questions every London homeowner must ask before starting a project to include homes in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings."
Whether you're planning a modest rear extension or major alterations to a listed home, it will help you avoid expensive mistakes and give you clarity on what’s possible for your property. Includes guidance on:
Planning approvals. Conservation areas.
Timelines and costs. Appointments you need to make.
Design and sustainability options.
When to press ahead and when to walk away
We provide architectural services for residential projects in the following London Boroughs:
Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
We specialise in
- Greener homes
- Retrofit and energy efficiency for older and traditional buildings
- Conservation areas
- Listed Buildings
- Homeowner architectural services
- Property developments architectural services
GOAStudio London residential architecture limited.
86-90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE, Hackney
Chestnut Avenue South, E17 9EJ, Waltham Forest
t: 0203 984 3005
