ellersie road
For this home in West London, we raised the roof — quite literally.
Our clients loved where they lived, but with a growing family the space was starting to feel tight. By lifting the existing roof, we were able to create a new loft level, turning what had been unused space into a light-filled kitchen, living and dining area.
While lofts are often used to add extra bedrooms, here the decision was made to place the main living space at the top of the house instead. It sits comfortably within the sloping ceilings and makes the most of the natural light and open views across London’s rooftops. Exposed beams, painted to match the walls, sit alongside the retained chimney stack, adding character and revealing the building’s original structure. A large picture window and three rooflights help daylight to bring light into the space.
Raising the roof also created the opportunity for an outdoor space. Roof terraces can be difficult to gain planning approval for, but with a careful and sensitive approach we were able to achieve one here. Set behind a simple metal balustrade above the existing parapet wall, the terrace provides a quiet place for the family to sit and enjoy some time outdoors.
Below, the original flat was reconfigured to include three good-sized bedrooms and a family bathroom, giving the home the extra space it needed to grow into.
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Credits:
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RIBA 0 - 6 – Allen Architects Ltd
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Photography – Mikey Reed
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