Skip to content

Light up Your Loft

By: Marcus Hirst ·

Marcus Hirst

Marcus Hirst

Marcus has moved onto pastures new, but this was his bio when he did work with us, and very good it is too: Marcus studied Architecture and Japanese at the University of Sheffield taking his second year out at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Architecture affects us every day and has the power to influence and inform our realities. Anything from city planning, down to the design of a door handle is somewhat in scope. With an international education, he is fascinated with how other cultures solve the same problems and their own unique challenges to overcome. His favourite building would have to be the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. If you peek through the canopy of trees, all you see are skyscrapers!

More articles from Marcus →

Loft conversions are a fantastic way to add an additional bedroom, bathroom, study or playroom and make effective use of a space that generally goes unused. When designing your loft conversion, it is important to consider the lighting design early in the process; the right roof lighting or windows can really help to enhance the space and make your loft a great area for natural light penetration.

Effective and Cost Efficient

Velux windows are a tried and tested method that bring a brilliant amount of light into an existing roof slope. These are great on the front of the property because they’re unobtrusive. There’s the additional benefit that they’re operable and can also act as great ventilation during the summer months. Velux windows come as off-the-shelf standard sizes which make them pretty easy to install and they have an abundance of extra features to choose from such as a thermal coating or built-in blinds.

The Architectural Statement Option

A trick we like to use at Build Team consists of a flat roof skylight above the staircase or landings. These panes of glazing look impressive above the hallway, bring in tons of light and are almost frameless from the inside. They make a brilliant architectural statement and are incredibly practical too. Of course, you can use these kinds of skylights wherever you have a flat roof, so you’re not limited to the staircases either.

The Romantic Option

One hugely popular design feature in a loft is a Juliette balcony. They provide great views into the garden and beyond, and help to add even more natural light and ventilation into your home. Creating a balcony space specifically for working, exercising or relaxing will help to make the most of everything this design feature has to offer.

Colour Happy

Your interior décor will make a huge impact on the atmosphere of your loft. Because of the positioning, you’re likely to get lots of natural light in the space no-matter what you do. Using natural, muted tones and off-whites will help tie the room together and continue to give it that bright and airy feeling that you’re looking for. Painting the floor in a light hue will also help to reflect more light than a plain wooden floor might, plus dark colours on a feature wall will stand out very well too. It’d be best to avoid bright colours as during summer these might become a bit overpowering.

Build Team have a special Design Phase offer for homeowners wishing to undertake both a Ground Floor Extension and Loft Conversion. We undertake all of the necessary Planning, Building Regulation Drawings and Structural Engineering calculations for the Ground Floor and Loft Conversion for a fixed fee of £5,995 + VAT.

If you are considering a loft extension – give us a call and book a site visit. Our team would be happy to help and talk through any questions you have. To book your site visit, get in touch with our team today on 0207 495 6561.

Loft Conversion in London

Dormer, mansard, hip-to-gable and Velux lofts: costs, planning and examples. Or talk it through with one of our architectural designers in a free consultation.

See loft conversion costs and projects Book a free consultation