Almendra Studio specialises in loft conversions, house extensions and residential renovations across Greater London, delivering bespoke design-and-build projects from architectural design and planning applications through to construction and final handover.

Explore our House Extensions, Home Renovations, and Planning Applications services to learn more about our holistic property transformation process.

Almendra Studio was commissioned to deliver the complete transformation of this 256m² Victorian semi-detached property in Beckenham, Bromley BR3, combining two carefully integrated front extensions, a loft conversion and a comprehensive internal renovation. The project reconfigured the existing layout to create a bright, contemporary family home centred around open-plan living while maintaining the architectural character of the original Victorian property. Structural alterations, spatial reorganisation and bespoke interior design were developed to maximise natural light, improve functionality and establish a strong visual relationship between the interior and the garden.

Project Details

Project: House Extension and Loft Conversion
Location: Beckenham, Bromley BR3
Property Type: Victorian Semi-Detached House
Project Size: 256 m²
Scope: Two Single-Storey Extensions + Loft Conversion + Full Internal Renovation
Services: Residential Architecture, Design & Build, Construction, Site Management

The project was developed in collaboration with London-based architecture and interior firm RB.Twelve, its founders Rafa and Dean, designed the architectural concept, internal layout and interior design, shaping the character and atmosphere of the living spaces.

Architectural Reconfiguration and Open-Plan Living

A key architectural objective of the project was to reorganise the traditional Victorian layout to better suit modern London family living. The original ground floor consisted of a sequence of compartmentalised rooms typical of period houses, which restricted both natural light and spatial flow.

To address this, Almendra Studio introduced a comprehensive structural reconfiguration, removing selected load-bearing walls and inserting new structural supports to create a generous open-plan ground floor layout. The new arrangement accommodates a large kitchen-dining area, reception hall, main living space, TV snug, cocktail bar, private gym, WC and pantry.

The open-plan configuration allows the principal living areas to function as a continuous environment while maintaining subtle zoning between spaces. This spatial strategy achieves a definitive sense of openness and flexibility within the house, allowing the ground floor to accommodate both family life and larger social gatherings.

Kitchen-Dining Extension and Everyday Family Living

The project retained the existing kitchen while extending the adjoining dining area through a carefully integrated front extension, creating a spacious and functional kitchen-diner suited to the family’s daily routine. The architectural intervention focused on improving the spatial quality of the dining space where the family spends much of its time cooking, sharing meals and reconnecting at the end of the day.

The extension enlarges the dining footprint to create a bright and comfortable space designed to support everyday family life. A large window forms the defining architectural feature of the space, introducing generous natural light while providing natural ventilation and open views towards the surrounding trees.

By expanding the dining area and strengthening the relationship between the interior and the landscape, the design enhances the experience of cooking and everyday dining, transforming the kitchen-diner into a welcoming and sociable space that anchors the rhythm of family life within the home.

House Extensions, Garden Integration and Natural Light

The project incorporates two new single-storey house extensions positioned on two different fronts of the property. These additions increase the usable internal floor area while improving the relationship between the interiors and the surrounding landscape.

A defining architectural element of the main extension is a 4-metre long grand-size rooflight installed above the living area. This large roof opening allows daylight to illuminate the interior of the house, dramatically enhancing the brightness and spatial quality of the open-plan living environment.

Positioned on a corner semi-detached plot, the residence is surrounded on three sides by a private garden with beautiful mature trees, creating an opportunity for the interior spaces to open-up towards greenery in multiple directions. Complementing the rooflight, a wide full height slim-line sliding glass door connects the living space directly with the Japanese-landscaped garden. This architectural feature creates a seamless transition between interior and exterior, bringing the changing colours and atmosphere of the seasons into the house while maintaining uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

The construction work also included the creation of an oriel-window projecting towards the garden, designed as a calm niche for reading, meditating and relaxing. Overlooking the surrounding greenery, this elevated bay window provides a contemplative space within the home and further strengthens the visual connection between the interior and the garden landscape.

Loft Conversion and Primary Suite

The renovation culminates in a full loft conversion, transforming the upper level of this Victorian property into a grand primary suite. The spacious floor area within the roof structure allowed the creation of a calm and refined bedroom environment with natural light entering from multiple directions.

The loft level incorporates an Italian-designed walk-in wardrobe and a large ensuite bathroom featuring high-tech shower fittings, a steam shower, and a whirlpool bath. A glazed Juliet balcony French doors further enhance the primary suite by introducing additional daylight and establishing a connection with the surrounding tree canopy.

Below the loft level, the first floor was also reconfigured to accommodate three double bedrooms, a home office, a family bathroom and a wellness area including a three-person Swedish sauna and a steam-shower ensuite, creating a private retreat within this urban home.

Turnkey Project Execution

This Victorian house extension, loft conversion and residential renovation in Beckenham, Bromley BR3, demonstrates Almendra Studio’s experience delivering high-end house extensions, loft conversions and bespoke design-and-build projects across Greater London.

Through careful architectural reconfiguration, structural expertise and refined interior detailing, the project transforms a traditional Victorian semi-detached house into a contemporary family home defined by open-plan living, abundant natural light and a strong connection with the surrounding garden and natural landscape.