XUL ARCHITECTURE REBUILD
A SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE IN
NORTH LONDON
North London based XUL Architecture have demolished and rebuilt this family home
in East Finchley creating a light-filled house with views to the garden.
Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, just outside the Hampstead
Garden Suburb, the family of five had purchased the house
which needed a full refurbishment. They decided to live in
the property first for a year to better understand their needs.
House renovations are common in London as there is a
wide variety of traditional housing stock that rarely suits
the size and activity of a family in the 21st Century. When
considering their renovation, this family turned to XUL
Architecture to explore the best layout for their needs. With
the considerable renovation suggestions, XUL produced a
cost for two options: to renovate or demolish.
As a semi-detached property, there is often a pre-
conception that demolition is not an option, however with
steel structures to support the neighbouring house it can
prove to be an option that is best for the project.
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“By demolishing the existing building, the new home would
be classified as a Self-Build project which does not attract
VAT. This reduced the cost to the homeowner by 20%.
When compared against a renovation project which would
be charged VAT, this was a more favourable approach.” —
Sebastian Sandler, XUL’s Managing Director
This social family wanted an open plan kitchen, dining and
family area that would allow them to entertain. They also
needed a large playroom for the kids that would work with
them as they grow. The house has a beautiful garden but the
existing arrangement was not making the most of the views
so it was important to open up as much of the rear spaces
to the garden and to create a view of the garden from the
front entrance so that light carried throughout. The lower
level at the rear provided an ideal opportunity to add a
basement looking out on to the garden.