From the team behind Hampstead Renovations · Est. 2009 · Learn more
Case StudyHampstead, NW3August 2024

Side-Return Extension, Hampstead

An infill side-return extension to a four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Hampstead, adding 14m² of kitchen space by filling the traditional narrow side passage. A structural glazed roof flooded the extended kitchen with natural light, and the project was completed in 12 weeks following Camden LBC planning approval.

Project Type

Side-Return Extension

Duration

12 weeks

Project Value

£75,000

The Challenge

The side-return passage ran along the party boundary with the neighbouring house. A party wall award was required and the neighbour expressed initial concern about the glazed roof reducing light into their garden. The structural glazed roof required a steel frame at high level to carry loads to the existing rear wall and party boundary wall without a traditional ridge beam.

Our Solution

We engaged a structural engineer who designed a portal frame of three fabricated steel sections, sitting on two concealed steel posts at the party boundary and connecting to the existing rear wall. The glazed roof used a low-profile aluminium framing system sitting between the steel sections. The party wall surveyor produced an agreed award that included a reflective ceiling finish to redirect light into the neighbour's garden. The neighbour signed the award within 3 weeks.

Results

  • Party wall award agreed in 3 weeks — neighbour concern resolved
  • Camden planning approval in 7 weeks
  • 14m² added to kitchen footprint
  • Structural glazed roof — 8.4m² of overhead glazing
  • New bespoke kitchen island utilising additional space
  • Bi-fold link doors between original kitchen and extension
  • Estimated property value uplift: £85,000

Key Features

  • Side-return infill — maximises ground floor footprint
  • Structural glazed roof with concealed steel portal frame
  • Party wall award managed end-to-end
  • Bespoke kitchen island in the new space
  • Underfloor heating to extension footprint
  • New bi-fold internal doors to maintain sight lines

Specification

ItemSpecification
Steel frameFabricated steel portal frame, three-piece, hot-dip galvanised, concealed in finished ceiling
Glazed roofUltrasky aluminium-framed structural roof, low-profile, self-cleaning glass
Extension wallsLondon stock brick to party boundary; insulated render finish to garden face
Kitchen islandBespoke painted island, oak block worktop section, Quartz to preparation section
UFHWarmup wet screed underfloor system, extension only, thermostat zone
Internal doorsAluminium slim-profile bi-fold doors, RAL 9005, between kitchen and extension

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