The Harrison Family Mansard Loft Conversion

Introduction to the Project

At LMB Group, we are often asked to find ways to create extra living space in homes where the layout no longer fits the needs of the family. The Harrison family, based in Epsom, loved their house and its location, but with their children getting older, they were starting to feel cramped. They didn’t want to move, so they decided to invest in their home by converting their unused loft into a stylish and practical new floor.

After surveying their property and discussing their goals, we recommended a mansard loft conversion. This design would give them the maximum headroom and floor space possible, while blending beautifully with the character of their home. The plan was to create two spacious bedrooms and a contemporary bathroom with a walk-in shower to give the new floor a modern, luxurious feel.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

The Harrisons wanted the new floor to work as a dedicated top-floor living space for their two teenage children. Each bedroom needed to feel bright and private, while the bathroom had to be both functional for daily use and visually striking. A walk-in shower was top of their list, as they wanted the bathroom to have a fresh, modern style with clean lines and a sense of openness.

They were also keen to ensure that the new structure felt like it had always been part of the house, both inside and out. That meant carefully matching external finishes and integrating the staircase in a way that kept the flow of the home intact.

Why a Mansard Loft Conversion

A mansard conversion was the ideal choice for the Harrison home. By altering the roof’s rear slope to a near-vertical angle and raising the party walls, we could turn what had been an awkwardly shaped attic into a full extra storey with generous ceiling height throughout.

For the Harrisons, this meant the two bedrooms could be properly proportioned, with space for desks, wardrobes and seating, without the sloping ceilings that can limit a standard dormer conversion. It also allowed for a full-sized bathroom, making the top floor completely self-contained.

Planning and Design

Because a mansard conversion changes the shape of the roof, it usually requires planning permission. We handled the application process on behalf of the Harrisons, preparing detailed plans and liaising with the local planning department in Epsom.

The final design placed the two bedrooms at either end of the loft space, each benefiting from large windows to maximise natural light. Between them, the bathroom was designed as a statement feature – a generous space with a walk-in shower, modern tiling, sleek fixtures and underfloor heating.

We incorporated skylights into the front slope of the roof to bring additional daylight into both bedrooms, while ensuring the rear windows lined up neatly with the rest of the property’s design.

Structural Work and Build Process

The build began with reinforcing the existing floor joists to meet the necessary building regulations for a habitable space. We then raised the party walls and constructed the mansard roof, carefully integrating it with the existing structure. High-quality insulation was installed throughout, ensuring excellent energy performance and year-round comfort.

The staircase was positioned directly above the existing one to maintain a smooth flow between floors, and we matched the style and finish to the original woodwork. This meant the new stairs looked like they had always been part of the house.

Externally, the mansard was finished with materials chosen to complement the existing brickwork and roof, giving the home a cohesive and timeless appearance.

Interior Finishes and Features

Inside, both bedrooms were designed to feel light, fresh and spacious. We used a neutral colour palette to make the rooms adaptable for the future, while bespoke wardrobes were built into the eaves to make full use of the available space.

The bathroom was a real focal point of the project. The walk-in shower was fitted with a frameless glass screen for a sleek, modern look, and large-format tiles gave the room a sense of luxury. A wall-hung vanity unit and concealed storage helped keep the space clutter-free, while underfloor heating added an extra touch of comfort.

LED recessed lighting was used throughout the new floor to keep the look clean and modern, and the combination of roof lights and large windows meant the whole level felt bright and welcoming.

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge facing the team at LMB Group was ensuring the bathroom layout worked perfectly within the mansard roof structure. By positioning the shower along the tallest section of the room and making clever use of niches for storage, we achieved a spacious, comfortable layout that felt open and practical.

Another consideration was the noise transfer between floors, especially as the bedrooms were for teenagers. We addressed this with additional sound insulation in the floor and walls, creating a quieter, more private space.

The Final Result

The finished mansard loft conversion transformed the Harrison family’s home. They gained two generous new bedrooms and a bathroom that could rival those in boutique hotels. The top floor now feels like a self-contained living space, giving the teenagers independence while keeping them connected to the rest of the home.

From the outside, the mansard roof blends seamlessly with the property’s character, while inside, the design feels modern, bright and perfectly in keeping with the family’s needs. The additional floor has not only improved daily life but also added considerable value to the property.

Client Feedback

The Harrisons told us the project had exceeded their expectations. They loved the sense of space and light in the bedrooms and were particularly impressed by the bathroom, which they described as “better than we’d imagined.” They also appreciated how smoothly the process went, from design and planning through to the final handover.

Conclusion

This Epsom mansard loft conversion for the Harrison family is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can turn an unused attic into a stylish, practical and modern living space. With two new bedrooms and a striking walk-in shower, the top floor now works perfectly for the family’s lifestyle, and the home feels ready for the years ahead.