Project Type
Dormer Loft Conversion
Duration
12 weeks
Project Value
£68,000
The Challenge
Belsize Park Conservation Area is within the Article 4 Direction zone, which removes Permitted Development rights for loft conversions. The property was on a terrace where several previous dormer applications had been refused for being too visually prominent. The existing loft had been used as a storage room and was accessible only via a hatch — there was no existing staircase and no obvious route for one without significant internal disruption.
Our Solution
Our conservation area architect studied the previously refused applications on the street and designed around the specific objections raised. The dormer was set well in from both side walls, zinc-clad, with a flat top to minimise visual impact. The staircase was routed through the existing airing cupboard on the second floor — a solution that required minimal disruption to the second floor layout.
Results
- ✓Camden planning approval at officer level in 7 weeks
- ✓Dormer designed to avoid all previously refused application objections
- ✓24m² of principal bedroom space created
- ✓En-suite with Hansgrohe fittings and electric underfloor heating
- ✓Dressing area with bespoke fitted wardrobe
- ✓Staircase routed through existing airing cupboard with minimal disruption
- ✓Estimated property value uplift: £125,000
Key Features
- ✓Camden Article 4 Direction planning consent
- ✓Zinc-clad dormer — conservation officer approved design
- ✓Staircase via repurposed airing cupboard — minimal internal disruption
- ✓Principal bedroom with bespoke fitted dressing area
- ✓En-suite with thermostatic shower and heated floor
- ✓Velux Conservation rooflights to rear pitch
Specification
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dormer cladding | RHEINZINK standing-seam zinc, natural patina finish, to cheeks and dormer flat roof |
| Rooflights | Velux Conservation centre-pivot, triple-glazed, aluminium-capped, two units |
| En-suite | Hansgrohe Axor Citterio shower valve, Duravit DuraStyle WC, Porcelanosa Evoque tiles |
| UFH | Warmup StickyMat electric, 150W/m², en-suite only, Warmup 4iE thermostat |
| Fitted wardrobe | Bespoke painted MDF Shaker-fronted wardrobe, full-height, interior lighting |
| Staircase | Oak treads on softwood carriage, painted timber balustrade, matching house style |
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