A thoughtfully designed, small extension makes a world of difference to this couple’s garden flat in Highgate’s lush green conservation area. We overcame a surprising number of challenges to create a light, joyful and practical home.

Our clients first approached us in 2018 when they were looking into purchasing a property for themselves and their dog in Highgate. Together we looked at three different properties, discussing the possibilities and challenges each presented. Eventually they found the place they wanted to call home - a lovely ground floor apartment with south-west facing garden in the heart of the Highgate conservation area, surrounded by majestic trees and wild green. They moved in straight after purchase, but the place was far from ideal - the biggest downside was a dated conservatory at the rear. This creaky structure looked more like a store room. It was obscuring the light, boiling hot in the summer and freezing in the winter, and it  wasn’t well connected to the kitchen/living area within the flat. However our clients sensibly decided to live in the flat for a while before making any major changes and get a feel for what worked and what didn’t. 

About a year later we started the conversation about how they wanted to improve and change the existing layout and structure. The main objective was, of course, to remove the old conservatory and create a welcoming and cosy open plan living and kitchen area, well connected to the garden with plenty of space for the couple, their dog, and guests. A space to relax and enjoy everyday life. And after a year of living in the flat, they had also realised proper storage space was sorely lacking.

As their building sits within the Highgate conservation area there were quite a few planning restrictions to navigate before designing the new extension. We sought pre-application advice and had an in-depth conversation with the local planning officer to establish the best possible solution. We explored different options that would work within the planning restrictions and meet cost and functionality requirements. The best solution was a rear ground floor extension that opened up the existing house wall to create a spacious, light-filled open plan kitchen and living area.

In the meantime, our clients were talking to their neighbours about the plans, as we always advise, but unfortunately one neighbour was not very co-operative, and our planning application received over 100 letters of objection. This was an unpleasant surprise for our clients, so we handled it directly. In the end only one letter required a response and planning approval was granted. 

Our client decided to manage works on site themselves, however as soon as work began, another stressful challenge presented itself and we stepped back in to advise.  There’s a beautiful lime tree in the rear garden and the building control inspector questioned whether the foundation was too close to the tree’s roots (which are damaging to concrete foundations). Just as the concrete was about to be poured in the foundation trenches the project was called to a halt. So we spoke to the inspector and the engineer and found a quick, cost effective solution to protect both the foundations and the tree, without having to reschedule. With relieved clients and the project back on track, most of our advice related to finishes, light fittings and interior arrangements. The project was a real collaboration and we were so pleased to be on hand to advise, calm and reassure whenever we were needed.

And after overcoming all the expected and unexpected hurdles, our clients are finally enjoying their new space. An elegant extension lets plenty of daylight into the heart of the flat where the kitchen is positioned to reflect the gentle green of the trees outside. Appliances and necessities are tucked away in a new utility space which we positioned in the darkest part of the flat. Now it’s easy to tidy away the clutter and keep their home neat and clean. Bi-fold doors create a lovely connection to the garden, and their dog has its own flap in the wall with freedom to come and go as it wishes. Even the troublesome lime tree is still there and well-loved for its grace and cool shadow in the summer months. 

It’s been a lovely journey for us to create this small, elegant extension, and to bring light, joy and ease in the daily life of our clients. This is the greatest reward we architects can receive.

Completed 2023
Photography Joe Whitmore