Design Buy Build Issue 44 2020 | Page 61

"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." The Self-Build home reinstated the front elevation with minor alterations and extensions to match the neighbouring property. A full basement provides a guest bedroom with seating area, games room with gym, spa consisting of sauna, steam room, shower, relaxation area and utility with storage. With nine additional rooms, XUL increased the net internal area from 158.85m² to a total of 378.60m² (a 138% increase). The tilted skylight above the dining room is angled to maximise the ingress of light. It was designed to have an integrated electric blind for moments when the sun would be too strong. 61