Summary of works: Structural steel installation, roofing, dormer, Single ply flat roof, cladding, bathroom fitting, half-turn staircase fitting, built-in storage, joinery, cabinetry, IKEA hack wardrobes, birch ply shelving, birch ply wardrobe doors
This was an unusual layout for a loft conversion. It was organised into 3 useable, conditioned spaces. The stairs run parallel to the front of the house. Apart from the basic layout, all other design features were by Parnosa in collaboration with the clients.
A combination of PIR and multi-foil insulation was used, thoroughly sealed around the entire perimeter. The multi-foil has the added advantage of reflecting radiant heat away in summer.
In a departure from the design, a large window was installed rather than doors & a Juliet balcony. That way the radiator could be installed under the window, freeing up the rest of the walls for furniture.
No downlights were installed, in order to maximize ceiling height without compromising the insulation. Instead, diffused LED strip lights in housing have been mounted on opposite walls, and 5amp sockets are ready to supply bedside lights.
The fitted wardrobe in the bedroom is an IKEA hack: A bespoke birch plywood exterior, hiding IKEA Pax carcasses and Komplement internals.
The alcove to the left of the wardrobe uses the space available above the new stairwell – not one cubic centimetre was wasted.
The ensuite bathroom was maximized & simplified by extending the boxing to basin height and creating an integrated worktop feature, while allowing access to the Durgo valve.
One of the best features of this conversion is the huge storage room. A purlin beam was used instead of the usual dwarf wall, which allowed the space to be fully conditioned and opened up, giving more functional storage space than many unconverted lofts. As it’s a conditioned space, clothes and other sensitive items can be stored there without fear of mould growth.
We also refurbished one of the first floor bedrooms, the 1st floor hall and balustrade, and added a storage cupboard under the new stairwell.
And finally, a bedroom wall was remodelled to create a built-in bedhead. The column to the left of the bed was copied, with the addition of some oak alcove shelves and reading lights, to create a neat home for a double bed.