The Avenue

After gaining approval for a hip-to-gable conversion, the opportunity arose for a more open, better organised and better insulated loft space. It was cold in the winter, too hot in the summer, and there were only passing views out. We added an array of 13 solar panels to provide enough energy to power a 5-bedroom house. The quality of the spaces was assured by increasing the amount of daylighting significantly with oversized dormer windows and judiciously placed skylights. These alone create a stronger connection with the outdoor environment (contributing to health and wellbeing), and a reduction in energy consumption for lighting, even if the council wanted to impede our usage of skylights! The detailing of the carefully proportioned dormer removes the sometimes claustrophobic ‘attic’ feel; the tall internal window head detail makes the frame almost invisible, and the tangibility of the treetops and open sky outside brings an acute connection to the environment. The minimal internal finish allows the light to tell the story, whilst drawing the eye to the windows, cleanly framing the spectacular view over north London. This project demonstrates that with minimal impact to the environment, and to the streetscene, a family home can be completely transformed by growing up rather than growing out!