Urbanist Architecture’s Industrial Modern Extension Project

If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you’ll know that I moved to London just over a year ago. And ever since, there’s not a day that my mind hasn’t been blown by the creativity and architectural genius around the city. As a home-obsessive, I love seeing how some of London’s most charming old properties have been given a new lease of life. How previously dark, bitty spaces have been transformed by a glass house extension. How buildings with history can serve as blank canvases for new families. And how those dreaming of someday having their very own home in London (*holds hand up*) could renovate to suit their own specific needs. 

Living well and living sustainably is such a passion of mine, and I’m heartened to see it becoming a priority for so many others. Using clever thinking to transform a pre-loved house into something that’s not only more stylish, but more energy efficient and filled with light is something that makes me so happy. So, it makes me so happy to partner with Knightsbridge-based firm Urbanist Architecture who specialise in doing just that. 

Their entire portfolio is seriously impressive, but in particular, I fell in love with their glass roof renovation in Greenwich- just south of the river from where I live in East London. I guess because I live so close, I know how chaotic life around here is, and how dark the days can be (weirdly so much darker than I ever experienced in Dublin? Daylight during the winter over here is such a fleeting treasure). So, I totally get why homeowners would enlist expert help to do their utmost to make a house as homely as it can be. To grab as much of that precious sunlight as possible, to rework the floorplan so that the family can catch up on their busy days as they cook dinner together. Not shut off into rooms on their own, with little or no daylight reaching them. 

It sounds cheesy, but sometimes a house remodel is really a lifestyle remodel. And I truly believe that life is hard enough, so anything you can do to make your days easier—do it! And better still, hire the people who do it the best! 

I must say, I was so impressed by the breakdown of the results for this project: Extra 19 square metres of habitable floor space, 26% increase in value and a 41% increase in cost efficiency. Pretty impressive, eh? The original property was a two storey mid-terrace house with a garden that the homeowners had outgrown. A common issue, yet something so many people don’t know how best to address. 

In this case, the team from Urbanist Architecture added an extension to the rear of the first floor, several new skylights and two sets of- my personal favourite feature- Crittall glass doors. The open plan layout and the natural light have made it airy and improved the social flow. But the clever materials Urbanist Architecture chose managed to strike the perfect balance and give the space a sense of cosiness.  

As someone who’s quite creative, and who has a pretty extensive knowledge of interior design, products and materials, the zhushing up of a space is something I’d feel confident about doing myself. But dear heavens, having to deal with Planning Permission, local property laws, plumbing and glass extension cost would give me a permanent stress migraine. I’d be only too happy to outsource it to a team who can do it better, quicker and cheaper than I ever could. Urbanist Architecture specialise in London Planning Permission applications. And better yet, specialise in actually getting what they apply for. 

Who knew that a Crittall door home extension could cause controversy?! Who wouldn’t want a glass room extension that is the perfect amount of industrial, perfect amount of modern, and adds tons of light in a stylish and affordable way?! Well, the local planning authority, apparently. But, folks, this is why you bring in the big guns. Urbanist Architecture were able to find legal ways around it, and arrive at a solution that satisfied both the clients and the planning authority. And lo, two sets of beautiful doors made their way into the final plans despite all obstacles. And yes, Greenwich planning council, they are “in keeping with the local context”. All’s well that ends well. 

Big thank you to Urbanist Architecture for reaching out to me. It’s been so lovely to learn more about their talented team and drool over their stunning projects. If you’re building or renovating, get in touch. Save yourself the hassle of having to do the scary and important stuff, and allow them to do what they do best. 

{This is a paid advertorial. But as always, all thoughts are sincere and genuine. Ya girl keeps it real. }