Brief
To convert the main roof space into a habitable loft and to create an open-plan space to the existing ground floor that links to a new single-storey rear and side extension. To have glazed bi-fold doors to the full width of external walls to enable the rear garden courtyard to function as an extension of the internal living space.
Aim
The Victorian mid-terrace house has narrow width and so the aim of creating an open-plan flow through this narrow space is to minimise the impact of structure to maximise the usable width. An urgent timescale meant priority was placed on obtaining party wall agreements, building regulations approval and Thames Water build-over agreement.
Solution
Structural steel frames were used to provide permanent support to the upper levels and to span clear across the open-plan space. Reinforced concrete foundations and encased steel beams were employed to span over the Thames Water sewer and provide support to the new superstructure.