This top floor flat is given the elements normally missing from a loft conversion; external space and double height generous living spaces. The flat is located on the 'hill' of Highbury, so it enjoys some of the best views of the area. Being in a conservation area means that there is no opportunity to change the roof shape and as a result very few neighbouring houses had attempted a loft conversion.

Our design made two key changes to the flat; firstly, we cut a roof terrace into the back of the roof form. Secondly, we added a whole new living space in what was the attic, opening to the new terrace. This space is then opened up to the kitchen and dining spaces in the position of the original bedrooms.

Above our client's flat was a low loft space, only just tall enough to stand in. To achieve a feeling of openness and generosity of space, we dropped the ceiling height in the lower floor, and then made a tall double height space across one whole side of the flat. This is the space that connects the living and kitchen dining spaces. The staircase that makes this connection of the two floors is given special detail and has timber open treads. The clients incorporated into the bathrooms and external terrace unique hand painted tiles from Morocco.