London's innovative home extensions celebrated as NLA reveals shortlist for 2019 Don't Move, Improve! competition
In the UK's airtight housing market, a growing number of homeowners are building upwards, outwards, and downwards, in order to create a bit more space. Above a 19th century warehouse flat in London, a water tower was recently converted by FORMStudio to create additional living space and a rooftop terrace. In nearby Hackney, the design practice IF_DO extended an existing apartment situated within a former synagogue with triangulated roof.
Both projects, along with a zero-waste renovation, a loft library, a converted chapel and others, have been shortlisted for the New London Architecture's Don't Move, Improve! Awards. Now in its eighth year, the competition celebrates the best in home extensions and renovation projects across London. In total, 37 projects have been selected that showcase innovative and ingenious ways of finding new space and helping homeowners realize their dream property.
"There is a wealth of talent among architectural practices in London delivering very beautiful additions to existing homes," says Peter Murray, Chairman of NLA. "There is also a real incentive for owners to create additional space instead of moving...From the wider perspective of development in London these improvements make better use of existing housing stock and help to deliver additional living space in our crowded city."
Below, take a look at some of the distinguished home improvements and see the full shortlist.
- Algiers Road by Gruff Limited
- The Black Curve by Ar'Chic
- Breakout Extension—Crouch End by KNOTTARCHITECTS
