Project Type
Dormer Loft Conversion
Duration
11 weeks
Project Value
£55,000
The Challenge
The 1930s semi had a hipped roof — both the rear and side slopes started at the same ridge, meaning a conventional rear dormer would be unusually prominent on the flank elevation as well as the rear. Barnet's planning officers required the dormer to be set in from the hip to avoid impact on the skyline when viewed from the side. The loft was also lower than typical for the period, with headroom of only 2.2m at the ridge.
Our Solution
Our structural engineer designed a dormer that was set in from the hipped corner by 600mm, maintaining the visual integrity of the hipped profile from the side. The 2.2m ridge height was sufficient for a full-width dormer with an internal height of 2.1m at the eaves — code minimum but sufficient for all uses. Barnet approved the application in 6 weeks.
Results
- ✓Barnet planning approval in 6 weeks — hipped roof dormer design accepted
- ✓22m² of loft space created — 2.1m minimum headroom throughout
- ✓Double bedroom with garden views through rear Velux rooflights
- ✓En-suite shower room with Hansgrohe fittings
- ✓New dogleg staircase from second floor landing
- ✓Loft insulation upgraded to Part L standards
- ✓Estimated property value uplift: £85,000
Key Features
- ✓Barnet planning consent — hipped roof design respected
- ✓Dormer set in from hip corner — skyline impact minimised
- ✓Double bedroom with 2.1m minimum headroom
- ✓En-suite shower room with Hansgrohe thermostatic shower
- ✓Velux Duo-Glass rooflights to rear pitch
- ✓New dogleg staircase within compact landing footprint
Specification
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dormer structure | Timber-frame dormer with uPVC cladding matching existing house, set in 600mm from hip |
| Rooflights | Velux Duo-Glass GGL 3073 triple-glazed, two units to rear pitch |
| En-suite | Hansgrohe Croma Select S 180 shower, Duravit D-Neo WC and basin, Porcelanosa tile |
| Staircase | Dogleg staircase with oak treads and painted balustrade, compact 900mm width |
| Insulation | Knauf Earthwool between rafters, Celotex GA4100 on warm side, U-value 0.18 achieved |
| Flooring | Amtico Spacia wood-effect LVT throughout bedroom; Karndean Korlok to en-suite |
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