Renovation and roof extension of a Victorian house in a Hackney Conservation Area by Kieran Hawkins.
The family living in this terraced house needed more space to make music and plan photoshoots, together with a new guest bedroom, a parents’ retreat and lots of storage. They also wanted to open up the layout of the house without losing the wonderful character of a home full of fascinating objects and artwork.
The existing top floor was made into an unfolding family space, linking Victorian rooms below with the loft extension above. Meticulously made panelled walls can be fully folded back to connect to the rest of the house and share the daylight from the large rooflight in the raised ceiling.
The loft is accessed by a staircase of steel and oak, echoing materials of the original stair while indicating the contemporary space above. Extensive glazing in the vaulted ceiling allows light deep into the house. Plywood panelling lines the loft space, with integrated workspace and a bespoke storage system allowing the double-bed to slide away into the eaves.
A full height jib door leads from the master bedroom to the calm parents’ room. Armchairs, wardrobes and a freestanding bath make a sanctuary that combines elements of dressing room, living room and ensuite. On the floor below, a vibrant family bathroom zings against the natural materials used in the rest of the house.
The work carefully maintains the atmosphere that was in place in the house. Panelling ties new rooms back to the existing finishes and conceals new storage and doorways. Thoughtfully inserted openings bring daylight into the rich interiors and make spatial connections that support shared family life.
