Specialism
Project type
Insights
Tools
Architectural rendering of the conversion and extension of new build flats, showcasing contrasting traditional and modern design elements, with a textured sketch-like finish under a blue sky.
3D architectural visualization of a modern new-build flat conversion with extension, featuring yellow brickwork, black-trimmed balconies, and large glass windows, on a sunny day with vehicles and urban setting in the background.
Close-up view of a new-build apartment block with yellow brick facade, featuring modern black balconies with potted plants, contrasted against traditional red brick buildings and lush green trees in the background.
Aerial view of a residential area showing a mix of traditional and new-build properties near a intersection and railway, highlighting the contrast in urban planning and architecture with a clear view of roads, vehicles, and surrounding greenery.
Overhead view of urban crossroads showing diverse residential architecture with new extensions on traditional buildings, surrounded by lush greenery, adjacent to a railway line and a junction, capturing a blend of city infrastructure and residential planning.
Schematic architectural drawing of an existing ground floor plan for a new build flat conversion and extension project, showcasing a minimalist design with clear outlines and detailed partitioning.
Architectural rendering of a proposed ground floor plan for the conversion and extension of new build flats, featuring a detailed layout with furniture arrangement, kitchen space, and living area.
Architectural drawing of the existing first-floor plan for the conversion and extension of new build flats, showcasing a minimal design with clear indications of room layouts and structural elements.
Detailed architectural plan for the proposed first-floor layout of new build flats conversion and extension, featuring fully furnished rooms with clear annotations for dimensions and design elements.
Schematic representation of the existing second-floor plan for a new build flat conversion, highlighting the minimal layout with precise measurements and a clear distinction between living spaces.
Detailed architectural floor plan of a proposed second-floor flat conversion, showcasing a modern layout with furnished living areas, bedrooms, and a terrace, designed for optimal space utilisation and contemporary living.
Simplified architectural drawing of an existing loft floor plan with outlined walls and structural elements, ready for conversion or extension in a new build property.
Architectural plan of a proposed loft floor conversion in a new build, with detailed room layouts and furniture placement, showcasing a modern design approach for urban living.

Space-efficient addition of three well-designed contemporary flats in place of one small garage

Location

Mulberry Way E18

Local Authority

London Borough of Redbridge

Plot Type

Urban

Project Type

Conversion, New Build Flats, Extension

Accomplishment

Planning permission for multiple extensions and creation of three new self-contained flats

Services by Urbanist Architecture

Project Architect, Planning Consultant, Lead Consultant

Collaborators

t16, NoiseAir

Challenge

This is one of the odd sites that Urbanist Architecture seems drawn to. Picture a typical London Victorian shopping parade - three-storey redbrick buildings with flats above. After the last of those - one with a takeaway on the ground floor - is something that’s more than an alley but less than a street. Along this passageway are small workshops and offices, some of which have been converted into homes.

And on the passage, behind the takeaway, was a small breezeblock and corrugated iron structure built as a garage but later used as a minicab office.

Our clients wanted to replace this odd little building with new homes. Yes, it was a tiny site, but one with great transport connections and in a part of the borough where the council actively wanted new homes. And because our clients knew we specialised in this kind of difficult site, they came to us.

Before & After

Architectural drawing of the existing first-floor plan for the conversion and extension of new build flats, showcasing a minimal design with clear indications of room layouts and structural elements.

Solution

The first idea was to design a separate new building to replace the old garage. But it eventually became clear that in order to make that big enough for more than a single flat, it would get unhealthily close to the Victorian building with the takeaway, which our clients also owned.

It’s vital that both developers and architects are smart enough not to be stubborn. Although we had put months of hard work into the first design concept, we realised that it wasn’t working. Instead, taking a lead from several interesting recent developments in the neighbourhood, we switched from a separate building to a large extension. This involved demolishing part of a roof of the rear part of the existing building, and produced an interesting design.

The old flat above the takeaway had no outdoor space - now, with the addition of dormers, there would be two flats at the front, both with terraces. Then, in the new extension, there would be two flats, again, both with outdoor space. So the site would go from one flat to four, all under five minutes away from a tube station.

And it would all look much better too - the tatty old garage replaced by the well-designed extension with interesting levels and details.

3D architectural visualization of a modern new-build flat conversion with extension, featuring yellow brickwork, black-trimmed balconies, and large glass windows, on a sunny day with vehicles and urban setting in the background.

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We specialise in crafting creative design and planning strategies to unlock the hidden potential of developments, secure planning permission and deliver imaginative projects on tricky sites

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