Raising the Roof in South Hill Park

Our challenge at South Hill Park was to transform a tired, long-neglected top-floor apartment within a Georgian property into a light-filled, contemporary family home. The brief from our client, Dr Mehta — a senior hepatologist at the Royal Free Hospital — was clear: create a space that combined intelligent design with warmth, comfort, and a strong sense of personal character.

Working alongside the client’s appointed designer, we delivered a full mansard extension on the fourth floor, turning a modest two-bedroom flat into a spacious three-bedroom residence complete with a private terrace and far-reaching views over Hampstead Heath. The design placed emphasis on natural materials and abundant light, with large expanses of glass and extensive use of European oak bringing softness and cohesion to the space.

Access and logistics were a major undertaking. With no rear access and the apartment located on the fourth floor, every element of the build had to come through the front of the property — located on a narrow, residential cul-de-sac just steps from the Heath. We installed a fully cantilevered scaffold to the front elevation, allowing us to manage vertical access without obstructing the street or impacting neighbours. On-site storage was virtually non-existent, so deliveries were precisely timed, and the build relied on a highly coordinated, labour-intensive approach to maintain momentum throughout.

The bespoke carpentry was a standout feature — from the sculpted staircase that blended seamlessly into the balustrade to the custom-built storage units, all crafted on site in matching European oak. The result is a beautifully detailed, modern apartment that feels calm, bright and tailored to the needs of a growing family.

What began as a dated and forgotten flat has become a warm, sophisticated home — one that now makes full use of its location, both in terms of views and natural light.