Modern Edge: Victorian Terrace Extension & Loft Conversion, Penge
Tali and Scott set out to rejuvenate their traditional Victorian workers’ terrace in Penge, South London. Originally from Australia, one of their key priorities was to maximise natural light in what had historically been a relatively dark property, while also upgrading it to modern living standards.
To achieve this, the design team at Model Projects created a striking wrap-around single-storey extension with a staggered rear. Full-height glazing flows around the extension and up to the apex of the sloped roof, complemented by a full-length glazed roof along the side return to flood the interior with daylight.
The scheme also included extending the existing annex outrigger and delivering a full loft conversion with a rear dormer, creating additional living space and enhancing the home’s versatility.
Project Type: Extension & Renovation
Project Profile: Full wrap-around single-storey extension, partial two-storey addition, and full rear dormer loft conversion to a Victorian terrace in Penge.
Location: Penge, South London
Build Time: 7 months
Selection of Views
Key Design Features
To the rear, the extension embraces a bold contemporary style, defined by its pitched roof, vaulted ceilings, and staggered full-height glazing. The loft conversion’s rear dormer is finished in modern metal cladding, creating a striking contrast against the original London stock brickwork.
At the front, the property retains its period character with refreshed brickwork and restored stone window details, complemented by upgraded black traditional sash windows.
Moving Inside
The ground floor journey begins in the traditionally proportioned snug front room, before passing through a series of pocket doors into a generous open-plan kitchen, dining, and snug space designed to maximise natural light.
A contemporary staircase rises through the centre of the home, set against a feature brickwork wall and bathed in daylight from a large flat rooflight above.
On the first floor, the home office and study have been extended and enhanced with a distinctive picture window that mirrors the forms of the extension and its vaulted ceiling, creating a striking focal point while framing views to the rear garden.
The loft bedroom enjoys elevated views through a large, slimline sliding door, while a compact, cleverly designed bathroom is neatly integrated into the front roof slope, making the most of the available space without compromising comfort.
Before and After 3D Cut-through Plans
After: 3D Floorplans
Before: 3D Floorplans
Route to Planning & Other Features
Due to the scale of works – including the wrap-around ground floor extension, the first-floor annex extension, and the loft conversion – the proposal required full planning permission. The loft conversion in particular needed a full homeowner application, as the ridge line was raised by 300mm to achieve comfortable internal head height.
The application also covered the replacement of windows throughout and the installation of an air source heat pump in the rear garden.
The completed property is now heated via an air source heat pump with underfloor heating on every floor. Additional upgrades included a new insulated slab across the ground floor, a fully insulated loft conversion, and high-performance glazing throughout. These measures ensure exceptional energy efficiency, allowing the home to be enjoyed for generations to come.
