0631 Adjoining rear dormer extensions, Balham SW12

The project has been very unique as we carried out works to two neighbouring properties at the same time.  The separate owners of the upper, duplex apartments in adjacent semi-detached houses, decided to carry out works to extend their adjoining lofts simultaneously.

Even that each of the properties needed a similar rear dormer, their internal layouts differed.  The needs of each Client were also individual.

One property needed two bedrooms and an ensuite for their growing family, whereas their next door neighbour needed the space to contain just two bedrooms.

The styles of finishes of each property differed as well.

Common solution to two different neighbouring dormer extensions

We proposed large roof lights over each of the two staircases, flooding them with natural light.  Two windows of the same size have been installed on the front slope of the roof of each property.

The new rear dormers have full height safety glazed window with its opening restricted to ‘tilt’ only.  This restricted opening width, provided additional safety and also allowed us to omit a need for an external balustrade, as it is not hinging open like a typical French door.

(The photographs are only of one of the properties.)

New staircase to the loft level

The top level at this property previously had no permanent access, so the staircase needed to be extended and a new landing built.  The area has been decorated with the Clients’ photographs and contemporary artwork.   A lantern light pendant and a carpet runner with brown stripes give an elegant finishes.

Two bedroom and a bathroom loft conversion

The loft has been converted into a double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a nursery.  Thanks to the individual shape of the dormer layout, the bedroom had space for an unusually deep wardrobe.  We made it into a walk-in, double depth wardrobe.

Shower room under sloped ceiling

The ensuite has full height marble mosaic tiles with a walk-in shower and a niche shelf.   The limited height in this space was improved by installing one of the two roof lights there.

Furniture and joinery design

In this property, we were asked to design furniture for the two reception rooms and the rear bedroom.  We also designed joinery for the new loft bedroom, the ensuite and a storage bench for the children’s bedrooms in the loft.

This was a very rare and interesting case of having in effect separate Clients for simultaneous projects.  The same contractor was responsible for both projects at the same time.

We worked on another project in Balham – see it here.