Single Storey Rear-Side Extension & Second Floor extension 

Hadley Wood, North London

Status: Completed

Location: North London, Hadley Wood Conservation Area, Enfield

Scope of works: Rear and side Ground Floor Single single-storey extension, open plan , full refurbishment, Second floor extension.  

This substantial semi-detached house is located in the desirable Hadley Wood Conservation Area, within the jurisdiction of Enfield Council, North London. As a London architectural practice specialising in residential refurbishments and house extensions—particularly within conservation areas—we were appointed to carry out a comprehensive deep refurbishment. While the property already offered a generous footprint, our client sought to maximise its potential with a sensitive extension that would respect both the original character of the building and the strict planning policies governing conservation areas in North London. Our architectural proposal significantly increased the footprint and volume, ensuring that the design remained sympathetic to the host structure and neighbouring properties to secure planning permission.

Despite the large size of the existing home, the ground floor layout was compartmentalised and outdated. The client’s vision was to transform it into a more modern, functional living space. The brief focused on creating a bright, open-plan kitchen and living area that would connect harmoniously with the garden and existing architecture. This required reimagining the ground floor to achieve seamless indoor-outdoor living—something increasingly important in high-end London home refurbishments.

Our goal was to improve natural light, optimise internal flow, and deliver a layout more suited to contemporary family living—while complying with the architectural constraints typical of conservation area projects.

To deliver the client’s vision, our team designed a substantial side and rear house extension at ground floor level. This intervention increased the internal living area by over 70%, effectively transforming the flow and functionality of the home.

1. Enhancing the Ground Floor with an Open-Plan Layout:
The newly extended ground floor features a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area. Despite its scale, we introduced subtle zoning using strategic ceiling detailing, lighting schemes, and furniture layout. These design tools helped define distinct living areas while maintaining the visual openness that characterises modern architectural refurbishments in London.

2. Visual Axis: From Entrance to Garden:
A key component of our design was establishing a clear, uninterrupted visual connection from the main entrance straight through to the garden. This strong axis enhances both spatial clarity and a sense of depth, a hallmark of our residential extensions and refurbishment projects in London’s conservation areas. It also creates an inviting view that blends indoor and outdoor living, while respecting the privacy of adjacent properties.

3. Structural and Ceiling Design Integration:
We coordinated structural steel elements such as beams and columns to support the open-plan layout. These were elegantly integrated into the ceiling design and lighting plan to ensure a contemporary, uncluttered appearance—essential for luxury refurbishments in North London homes. The result is a cohesive and elegant ground floor space that feels both expansive and refined.

4. Second Floor Side Extension: Spacious Family Bathroom:
We also designed a second-floor side extension to accommodate a generously sized family bathroom. The layout includes both a walk-in shower and a freestanding bath, providing a luxurious yet functional space. As with all our conservation area projects, special attention was given to ensuring that the extension harmonised with the roofline and character of the original building.

This Hadley Wood refurbishment and house extension is a prime example of how our small London architectural practice delivers high-end, bespoke residential projects within conservation areas. By combining strategic design with planning expertise, we transform traditional properties into contemporary family homes tailored for modern living—while enhancing their character and value.

We are always delighted to hear from you and to speak about your project