Private Client
Located on the end of a terrace in Walthamstow the property sits in a dominant location overlooking the grounds of Waltham Forest College. DEDRAFT were approached to both refurbish and increase the existing floor area to create additional accommodation for the young family. Working in the creative industries the client was clear that any changes should not be solely focused on the creation of more space but rather as well considered, unique interventions that complement the existing aesthetic. By identifying three key design elements (front facade treatment, rear dormer and feature staircase) we could direct the budget to develop a strong overarching concept.
Externally the house has been altered as two phases to suit the day-to-day needs of the client. As phase one the hip-to-gable roof was altered enabling the loft space to form an additional bedroom. The new roof plane was manipulated to insert a striking angular, ‘inverted’ rear dormer. With the additional level, our intention was to direct views away from the busy main road that runs parallel to the plot and by pulling the panoramic dormer face inward, create the feeling of a protective overhanging roof. The positioning of the sliding cavity window to the rear takes full advantage of the open vista stretching across the front lawns of both the adjacent College and Town Hall.
To continue the angular design aesthetic internally the existing stair has been removed to allow for the formation of a double height stairwell into which we have inserted a raw-black folded staircase finished in Richlite – a ‘highly compressed paper’ material with the laminations of the birch ply substructure left exposed at the edges to accentuate the construction and create a material aesthetic running vertical linking the ground floor to the new loft space.
With planning consent achieved under permitted development, the external materials palette is restrained – consisting largely of natural slate, fibre cement, aluminium rainwater goods, solid Oak, brickwork and black aluminium windows throughout.
Phase Two involved extensive modifications to the front facade, removing the full width of the ground floor fenestration to create a more spacious and pleasant approach to the property. The front windows and door have been replaced with solid Oak frames, both existing and new brickwork painted white to unify and create a datum across the width of the property. By reinstating the front door to its original position, addressing level changes and installing a new slate paved garden with rendered planters the front garden has been opened up to the street.
Project services provided –
Feasibility Study
Outline Design
Pre-Application Advice
Obtain Planning Consent
Obtain Building Control Approval
Detail Design
Manage Tender Process
Construction Drawings
As-Built Drawings
Site Attendance during Construction
Manage Rectification Period
Completed. Jan 2018
Images. Aucoot / DEDRAFT