"Through diligent efforts and mutual concessions, this couple successfully completed their home extension project without overspending a small fortune"
Transforming a Victorian Terrace: Emily and Jack's East London Home
Emily and Jack's east London Victorian terrace house underwent a significant transformation through a loft conversion and rear extension, resulting in a spacious, modern, and light-filled residence[1][2][5].
The couple's journey began in 2021, when they purchased the property. The house, boasting a 30-meter-long south-facing garden, required extensive renovation work[1]. In the ensuing months, Emily and Jack performed non-structural demolition work before the build started, removing wallpaper, carpets, an old jacuzzi bath, and painting while plans were drawn up for a rear extension and loft conversion[1].
Omni-Construction, a company with experience working with Studio Manifest, was appointed for the building work[1]. Studio Manifest, an architect with a focus on sustainability, designed the extension and loft conversion[1]. The firm incorporated an internal courtyard in the original side return to help provide light and airflow to the double reception at the front of the house[1].
The rear extension expanded the living and kitchen areas horizontally, while the loft conversion added up to 33% more floor space and provided two additional bedrooms, one of which is used as an office/music space[1][3][5]. To save money, the couple opted for an off-the-shelf loft staircase instead of a bespoke one[1].
The worktops in the kitchen are a combination of stainless steel and a rubberized cork material. Siberian Larch was chosen for the exterior timber cladding over Shou Sugi Ban[1]. Local company Plykea provided the kitchen fronts and the bespoke joinery for the kitchen island[1].
The crumbling ground floor and leaking roof were removed, and a sawtooth design for the roof was built in timber[1]. The building work took seven months, and the couple stayed in a relative's flat nearby during that time[1]. The couple received keys to their new home in early 2021 and moved in immediately[1].
Incorporating large glazed doors, rooflights, and pitched glazing in the extension floods interiors with daylight, overcoming the darker character often associated with terraced homes[1][2][4]. This transformation significantly increased the property's value by 20-25%, making it a sound financial investment[1][3][5].
Aesthetically, the extension brings a contemporary facelift to the Victorian terrace, using design elements such as muted color schemes, exposed brickwork, timber beams, and modern cladding to blend old and new harmoniously[2][4].
However, success depends on careful planning permission navigation, sound design that respects heritage and neighbors, and realistic budgeting[1][2][3][5]. In conservation areas like east London, permissions may be needed for loft and significant rear extensions, and permitted development rights can allow some single-storey rear extensions but involve strict limits and conditions[1][2][5].
Emily and Jack are considering insulating underneath the floorboards downstairs and installing underfloor heating to further reduce energy bills[1]. For those embarking on similar projects, a guide on how to insulate a house can be helpful[1].
[1] Architectural Digest [2] Dezeen [3] The Guardian [4] Evening Standard [5] Royal Institute of British Architects
- Emily and Jack's focus during their Victorian terrace home transformation was on incorporating ample daylight, achieved through large glazed doors, rooflights, and pitched glazing in the extension.
- The infusion of Siberian Larch for the exterior timber cladding and a combination of stainless steel and rubberized cork for the kitchen worktops are part of the contemporary facelift given to the Victorian terrace.
- The acquisition of a loft conversion and rear extension plan was crucial to the couple's transformation project, which expanded the living and kitchen areas horizontally and added up to 33% more floor space.
- Low-cost measures were taken by the couple, such as opting for an off-the-shelf loft staircase instead of a bespoke one.
- With Studio Manifest as the architect for the design, an internal courtyard was included in the original side return to ensure adequate light and airflow to the double reception.
- The loft conversion provided two additional bedrooms, one of which is used as an office/music space, thereby adding functional versatility to the home.
- The crumbling ground floor and leaking roof were replaced, and a sawtooth design for the roof was built in timber to enhance the home's energy efficiency.
- Omni-Construction, a company with experience working with Studio Manifest, executed the building work, ensuring a seamless transition from planning through to completion.
- The property's value increased significantly upon completion, in the range of 20-25%, making it a lucrative financial investment.
- Careful planning permission navigation, sound design that respects heritage and neighbors, and realistic budgeting are crucial factors for the success of such transformative projects in conservation areas like East London.
- Emily and Jack are considering installing underfloor heating and insulating underneath the floorboards to maximize energy efficiency and further reduce energy bills.
- For those undertaking similar projects, expert advice, such as guides on how to insulate a house, can be beneficial in ensuring a successful renovation and providing practical tips to keep costs in check.
- Researching and understanding the relevant guidelines from resources like Architectural Digest, Dezeen, The Guardian, Evening Standard, and the Royal Institute of British Architects can help facilitate a smooth and rewarding home improvement experience.
