JaK Studio has reworked the traditional ’loft conversion’ in Crouch End, North London, by extending a top floor apartment in a Victorian building, creating a roof dormer to dramatically increase the overall volume of the apartment. Designed for a young couple, the design breaks up the attic floor to create the dormer which offers the cathedral-esque space in the main living area.  

The double height floor-to-ceiling glazing measures at 5.5M high filling the room with light and leading out to a small terrace through sliding folding doors, providing views over North London and Alexandra Palace. 

William Deleporte, Project Architect from Jak Studio, said: “Traditionally, clients normally approach us to extend their roof space and squeeze in extra kids bedrooms, but Mandy and Ivan (the owners) were not your average client. Myself being from Paris, we drew reference to the classic artist lofts in the city. Using this as inspiration, we created some ideas for them and they were drawn to a dramatic vertical space straight away. It’s not something you tend to see in London as most people go for the increased floor space over height. This has got to be one of our favourite extensions yet and we could definitely see this type of conversion being more common in London in the near future.” 

While the external appearance of the extension is a combination zinc roof and timber cladding, its internal decoration features exposed brickwork, bare concrete wall and distressed copper finishes, giving an industrial touch to the loft. A timber paddle staircase and two concrete chimney breasts frame this immense space and act as focal points. Upstairs is the new master bedroom with en-suite and terrace with panoramic views.