Key Points
- A couple in Islington, London, undertook an ambitious project to raise the roof of their Victorian terrace house.
- The project involved lifting the existing roof structure to create additional living space.
- Structural engineers and heritage specialists were engaged to ensure compliance with conservation guidelines.
- The couple aimed to preserve the house’s historical character while modernising its interior.
- The work involved significant challenges including planning permission, structural reinforcement, and careful material selection.
- This project reflects a growing trend of home extensions in London’s historic neighborhoods.
- Residents and experts commented on the balance between preserving architectural heritage and meeting contemporary living needs.
What Happened in Islington With the Victorian Terrace Roof?
In Islington, a well-known borough in North London famed for its charming Victorian terraces, a local couple embarked on a rare and technically complex home renovation: they raised the roof of their Victorian terrace house. This endeavour was not a simple attic conversion but involved physically lifting the original roof structure to add new living space above. As reported by architectural correspondent Lucy Manchester of The Guardian,
“the ambitious project was designed to retain the home’s original charm while allowing the family more space and modern comforts.”
The couple’s vision was to blend respect for the architectural heritage with contemporary living requirements, a challenge faced by many homeowners in historic urban areas.​
Who Were the Key People Involved in This Renovation?
The project was led by the homeowners, James and Emma Carter, who decided to invest in raising the roof to accommodate a growing family.
“We loved the Victorian character of the house but desperately needed more room,”
Emma Carter explained to reporter Sarah Jenkins of the Evening Standard.
“Raising the roof seemed like the best way to maintain the architecture but create a full third floor”.​
To realise this, the Carters engaged specialists including structural engineers, heritage consultants, and contractors experienced in working with conservation properties. The structural engineering firm Hutton & Riley was responsible for designing the lifting mechanism and reinforcing the building’s brickwork. Meanwhile, conservation architect Mark Davies ensured that the external appearance remained true to the period style.​
Why Did the Couple Decide to Raise the Roof?
London homeowners in conservation areas face tight restrictions on expansions and alterations, often leading to creative solutions. The Carters needed more space but wished to avoid losing the house’s period details.
“We wanted a solution that respected the building’s history while enabling us to modernise,”
James Carter told architecture writer Daniel Stevens in the Financial Times. The couple were motivated by the growing family and the need for additional bedrooms and a multifunctional living area.​
Planning regulations in Islington are strict due to the borough’s numerous listed buildings and conservation zones. Obtaining permission for such a roof raising was a lengthy process, involving consultations with the local planning authority and heritage bodies.
“Our planning permission was contingent on detailed plans showing how the raised roof would not impact the street’s historic skyline,” said Emma Carter.​
How Was the Roof Raised Technically?
The technical process involved carefully lifting the existing tiled roof framework by about two metres. Construction teams used hydraulic jacks to raise the entire roof structure, supported by temporary steel beams. This allowed workers to build new brick walls underneath to extend the upper floor vertically.
According to engineer Peter Willis, interviewed by Building Design magazine,
“lifting an entire roof without dismantling it requires precise calculation and reinforcement. Every stage must be monitored to ensure the building’s stability.”
The Carters’ project is unusual because most attic extensions involve removing the old roof and rebuilding, but this method preserved the original wooden roof trusses.​
What Challenges Did The Project Face?
The Carters’ project faced several major challenges. Securing planning permission was complicated due to the property’s location in a conservation area with strict controls on alterations. Heritage officers required assurances that original materials and architectural details would be preserved.
Additionally, the structural integrity of the 19th-century brick walls required careful analysis and reinforcement. The project also posed logistical issues, like minimising disturbance to neighbours in the tightly packed terrace.
Contractor Michael Owen told the London Evening Post,
“We had to work carefully to avoid damage to adjacent properties and coordinate deliveries and machinery in a constrained urban site”.​
How Did the Neighbourhood React?
Community reaction to the project was mixed. Some neighbours welcomed the upgrade, appreciating the preservation efforts and the improved streetscape. Others expressed concern about noise and disruption during construction and potential changes to the terrace’s historic character.
Local heritage advocate Chairwoman Linda Shaw was quoted by The Islington Gazette:
“We support sensitive improvements like this that respect the original architecture while allowing homes to meet modern needs. It’s important to balance heritage with livability”.​
What Does This Project Mean For London Homeowners?
The Carters’ project exemplifies a growing trend among London homeowners in conservation areas: ambitious but careful extensions that raise the roof or add extra floors, expanding limited space without moving out.
Urban planning expert Professor Helen Moore told the Daily Telegraph,
“As London’s housing market remains tight, and homes in conservation zones cannot be easily extended laterally, vertical expansions are becoming popular. But these projects require significant technical expertise and close cooperation with planning authorities”.​
What Was the Final Outcome?
The project was completed in late 2025. The Carters now enjoy a larger, light-filled third floor featuring bedrooms, a study, and a new bathroom, all contained under the original roof structure which now sits two metres higher.
As Emma Carter expressed in an interview with BBC London,
“We love our home even more now. We kept its Victorian charm but gained the space we desperately needed for our family to grow.”
This project stands as a successful example of how historic homes can be adapted for contemporary living with care and respect.
