The Anderton Conversion In Balham

Introduction to the Project

At LMB Group, we often work on period properties in Balham, where space is precious and the character of the homes deserves to be preserved. The Anderton family approached us looking for a way to make better use of their unused loft space. Their Victorian terrace had the perfect potential for an L-shaped dormer loft conversion – a design that can dramatically increase usable floor area while blending with the existing style of the house.

The family loved their home and its location but were struggling for space as their children grew. They wanted a self-contained top-floor suite that could serve as a combination of sleeping, working and relaxing areas, with enough room for a modern bathroom. The challenge was to deliver this without losing the period charm of their property or overwhelming its original proportions.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

From our first conversation, it was clear the Andertons valued a balance between practicality and style. They wanted the loft to feel like a natural continuation of their home, not a bolted-on afterthought. The main goals were to create a large master bedroom, a bright and spacious en-suite bathroom, and a small study area that could be tucked into the new space.

They also wanted to make sure the conversion maximised natural light. With Balham’s mix of sunny and overcast days, this meant carefully planning the position of windows and skylights so the space would feel bright year-round.

Why an L-Shaped Dormer

An L-shaped dormer was the ideal choice for this property. Victorian terraces often have a rear addition that creates an “L” shape when viewed from above. By extending the loft space over both the main roof and the rear addition, we could achieve a much larger floor area than with a standard dormer. This layout allowed for a full-size bedroom and en-suite, plus the extra study nook the family wanted, all without compromising head height or storage.

Another benefit of the L-shaped dormer was how well it suited the surrounding architecture. Many houses on the street had undergone similar conversions, so the new design would blend into the existing roofscape while adding real value to the property.

Planning and Design

We began with a detailed survey of the property to assess the roof structure, pitch and available space. In this case, the project could be carried out under permitted development rights, as the design fell within the size limits and height restrictions. This meant the Andertons could avoid a lengthy planning process, though we still ensured every detail complied fully with building regulations.

The layout was planned to make the most of the new footprint. The master bedroom was positioned in the main section of the L-shape, benefiting from large rear-facing windows with views over the garden. The en-suite bathroom was located in the smaller section over the rear addition, which allowed for a window to bring in natural light and provide ventilation. The study nook was created in the remaining space, making clever use of an area that might otherwise have gone unused.

Structural Work and Build Process

Work began with reinforcing the existing floor joists. Loft floors in older properties are rarely strong enough to support a habitable room without this step, and it is essential for both safety and comfort. Once the new joists were in place, we constructed the two dormer sections and linked them seamlessly at the corner to form the L-shape.

The dormer walls were fully insulated, ensuring the new rooms would be warm in winter and cool in summer. The exterior was finished with materials chosen to complement the existing property, while modern roofing ensured excellent weather protection.

The staircase was positioned above the existing stairs to maintain a natural flow between floors. This avoided losing space from the rooms below and kept the circulation in the house feeling consistent. The new stairs were built from solid timber and matched to the original balustrades, blending new construction with the home’s character.

Interior Finishes and Features

Inside, the master bedroom was designed to feel calm and welcoming, with neutral walls and light flooring that made the most of the natural light. Large rear windows provided a leafy view, and additional roof lights kept the space bright even on grey days. Built-in wardrobes were fitted into the eaves, giving the Andertons plenty of storage without encroaching on the floor area.

The en-suite bathroom was finished in a modern, clean style with a walk-in shower, wall-hung vanity unit and sleek tiling. Underfloor heating provided comfort underfoot, and an energy-efficient extractor fan ensured good ventilation.

The study nook was a small but highly practical addition, tucked neatly into the corner of the L-shape. It had enough room for a desk, shelves and a comfortable chair, creating a dedicated work-from-home spot without taking space from the bedroom.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges was ensuring that the link between the two dormer sections felt seamless inside and out. Precise carpentry and careful planning meant the junction was smooth and weather-tight, with no awkward corners inside the finished rooms.

We also had to work within the constraints of the existing roof pitch, ensuring the new floor height allowed comfortable headroom throughout while still meeting external height restrictions. Our design and construction teams worked closely to refine the plans and achieve the perfect balance.

The Final Result

After several weeks of work, the transformation was complete. The once-empty loft was now a stylish and functional top floor that felt like it had always been part of the home. The Andertons had their dream master suite, a bright modern en-suite and a quiet corner for work – all without moving house.

From the outside, the L-shaped dormer blended beautifully with the neighbouring properties, and from the inside, the space was full of light, character and practical touches. The family immediately began enjoying their new rooms, and the conversion added significant value to their home in one of Balham’s most desirable areas.

Client Feedback

The Andertons told us they were delighted with the whole process, from our initial design discussions to the final handover. They appreciated how smoothly the build ran and how the new rooms matched their vision exactly. They particularly loved the amount of light in the new floor and how the study nook made it possible to work from home comfortably without disrupting family life.

Conclusion

This L-shaped dormer loft conversion in Balham shows what can be achieved with the right design and attention to detail. By making full use of the property’s footprint and creating a layout that suited the family’s needs, we were able to turn an empty loft into a valuable, functional and beautiful part of their home.

For the Anderton family, the conversion provided the extra space they needed and a home they can continue to enjoy for many years. For us at LMB Group, it was another rewarding project that demonstrated our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and thoughtful design.