Haringey architects
Kitchen extension Highgate.
Rear kitchen extension, house renovation, and addition of a garden gym to a single family dwelling home in the Highgate Conservation Area.
“George helped us design and obtain planning permission for our Highgate home extension, a garden room and also with some interior remodeling.
He was extremely professional, very responsive and gave us very good advice around how to design and build the extension and also his knowledge of the planning system was invaluable in not only obtaining planning permissions but also dealing with the planners subsequently as we had some issues with our neighbours (for which George went above and beyond the call of duty).
As an architect, George is technically very strong with a particular emphasis on how the building will serve its inhabitants, maximizing light and space and also has extremely strong design and aesthetic skills.
He works very collaboratively, has very good communication skills and we found him a joy to work with. We would highly recommend George for any architectural project.”
Site and Surroundings
The property is a two-storey mid terrace building in use as a dwelling house. The ground level rises towards the rear of the site, which is also greater than that of adjoining ground.
There is a difference in ground levels with the patio area being approximately 0.5m lower.
A large tree is close to the subject site’s southeastern corner boundary. The subject site is within the Highgate Conservation Area.
Proposed development
The planning application aimed to obtain planning permission for a single storey rear extension and the addition of a garden outbuilding in the rear garden.
The roof of the rear extension had a maximum height of 3.4m, falling to 2.50m on the adjoining boundary with the house next door (though due to differences in ground levels it will have a height of 3.0m above the adjoining ground level) and would support a green roof, with walls to be white brick.
A nursery and pre-prep school laid along the share boundary.
Planning matters
We had to overcome a number objections from the local conservation area committee and from neighbours as well.
We prepared revisions and developed the design in response to the initial objections until the planners and the conservation officer were satisfied.
Selected extracts from the planning officer report:
“The proposed rear extension will be at the rear of the host building and at ground level.
While it will be finished in white brick, this is not considered to result in harm to the area, noting the original rear ground floor is white, as is its neighbour and other non-brick single storey structures in the vicinity of the site.
The chamfered roof edge and parapet intersecting outrigger above are points that have been considered, with their purpose understood to reduce impact on neighbouring amenity
by reducing height on the boundary, and by providing sufficient depth to provide a green roof on the roof of the rear extension.
While the resulting design is different to standard clean edged fat roofed rear extension, the design is not considered to be of such a scale or to harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. A contemporary addition can complement a period property, with this an acceptable approach to extending a house even in a conservation area.
Overall, the extension here is considered acceptable in design and spatial terms, being subservient to the original house and having minimal impact on he character and appearance of the conservation area, as such leaving it preserved.
The pitched roof glazing is noted on the chamfered roof form, and potential light pollution from this has been noted in objections to the proposal. While it is acknowledged that the presence of the rooflights may lead to some light spillage, this is not viewed to be significant in planning terms, in particular taking into account the urban nature of this site as well as the fact that light fittings within such a space will typically be directed downwards.
The ground floor rear extension is therefore considered to be of a size or scale that would not result in unacceptable dominance, sense of enclosure, or harm amenity in terms of overlooking.
Conclusion: The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of design, heritage and neighbouring amenity and complies with relevant planning policies and guidance.”
Architectural services
For this house extension and renovation project we provided the following 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
Bits and Pieces.
Clients – Private.
Location – Highgate Conservation Area and its hilly rear gardens, Haringey N6
Currently – Completed in Spring 2025.
Architecture– GOAStudio London residential architecture.
Engineering – Structures Made Easy.
Interior design – Honeybee Interiors.
Construction – QB Construction.
Photography – GOAStudio London residential architecture.
Video and film – Red Goat Productions.
For practical advice on design, conservation context, approvals and delivery, read our guide to planning a London kitchen extension.
WATCH OUR LATEST FILM
As featured in 25 Beautiful Homes magazine – October 2025
Designing homes around the way you live. A note from the architect.
All’s well that ends well they say. This is true for every project.
he initial email mentioned that the clients lived abroad at the time, that they are thinking of having some refurbishment / renovation works to the home when they were back, and hey, here is a list of things we are thinking of doing to it.
This was two years before the works were completed and that first email also included an annotated plan with scribbled notes and arrows pointing to the different parts of the floor plan that needed changes.
Why it took us so long? Well, the planners, mostly, had something to do with it. The neighbours too. In part. At times.
Then again this meant that the design benefited from the homeowners’ determined and thoughtful input during every step of the way and that we had time to properly think things through.
Looking back, I remember our early discussions about how best to organise the new spaces and how to connect them to the old parts of the house.
We struggled and found ways to retain its original character, to make sense of what we were to add to a property with a proud character all of its own, we looked to find ways to frame tree views and to bring light in deep in the floor plan.
This is what drove the project during the early stages.
Eventually we landed on an outline design that aimed to create two distinct “wings”, each with this own subtly varied character, that grew out of the historic proportions of the property, but that evolved to include glazing, a cream brickwork that reflected light, a step in the plan that helped to embrace the interiors, and vegetation on the roof to help with blending in with the Highgate hilly rear garden.
The interior designer added rich layers to this outline plan, the contractor added precise execution and more ideas that grew organically from close collaboration with the homeowners.
And the result is more than the sum of its parts.
I love how the light intensity changes on a sunny day. The vibrant direct yellow sunlight towards the garden. The cool bluish northern light in the seating area. The parts of the ground floor that remain cosy and dark and quiet.
This is not a uniform space. This is not an airport terminal roof that spans over functions and activities. It is a home and we set out to create a collection of spaces designed around the way the homeowners live.
And it is the light levels, through their blue or yellow tones, that help to break up this larger area into domestic little hamlets with their own identity, function and character.
But my favourite view, like a compass to guide through a journey, is of that mature treetop at the back of the garden.
As you look up and your eye is drawn to it you know that everything came together how it was supposed to.
Design and Heritage matters
On the ground floor we added a single storey extension that partially lined up with the existing rear wall of the house and partially stepped back from this line to minimise the impact of the extension along the boundary with the house next door.
The roof profile includes a pitched roof along the shared boundary and a flat green roof for the rest of the proposed extension.
The middle section of the proposed extension includes a long glazed roof section that lets natural light deep into the floor plan and frames the view of the mature trees at the back of the raised garden.
The overall composition of the proposed extension is in response to how the volumes of the existing houses steps forward and backwards along the rear elevation and we looked to respond to the expression of these volumes and how they are an integral feature of the host property and of the rest of the terrace.
With reference to “Highgate Conservation Area – Character Appraisal and Management Plan, December 2013”, the proposed extension and alterations aimed to bring this property up to date with similar properties across the Conservation Area and to create an improved family space for this single family dwelling.
The single storey extension matched the scale, proportions, materials, design and style to similar extensions and projection across the Conservation Area and it is a contemporary interpretation and sympathetic to the late Victorian and Arts and Crafts language of the adjacent properties.
These alterations and extensions made a positive contribution to the Highgate Conservation Area in terms of appearance, sustainability, materials, style, continuity and rhythm.
Inside a Beautifully Restored London Home with Interior Designer Sacha Berger – The Luxury Home Show
Step inside this beautifully reimagined North London home with interior designer Sacha Berger, founder of Honeybee Interiors.
Located in Highgate, this elegant residence blends timeless architecture with warm, modern design. From bespoke joinery and soft earthy tones to stunning natural light and restored original features, every detail reflects harmony, character, and sophistication.
Sacha’s Website: https://www.honeybeeinteriors.co.uk/
For more information about the Haringey planning department, policies and requirements please click the link above to be re-directed to Haringey Council website.
Name and origin
The borough name, as well as its conurbations of Harringay and Hornsey, derive from Haeringes-hege, the enclosure belonging to Saxon chief Haering. [Londonist.com]
Haringey planning department
You will probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, make a major change to your home – e.g. building an extension, or change the use of your property. There are different rules depending on what you want to do and the relevant planning policy that applies to your property. At GOAStudio we have a proud record of dealing with the local authority planners and building control inspectors and we are on hand to assist with your application and successfully handle every stage of your project.
For broader local context, see our Haringey architect advice for period homes and house extensions page.
For inspiration and ideas see below some of our other residential projects in Haringey.
Explore further conservation-area and residential projects across North London.
N4 Finsbury Park, Manor House, Stroud Green, N6 Highgate, N8 Crouch End, Hornsey, Turnpike Lane, N10 Bounds Green, Muswell Hill, N15 Seven Sisters, South Tottenham, N17 Tottenham, Tottenham Hale
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
