Blackfriars, London, 2018 - 2020

Priory Penthouse

Situated on the top floor of Priory House on Friar Street, one of Blackfriars’ narrow alleys, lies a dilapidated two-bedroom flat with a loft space beneath a pitched roof. The proposal for this flat is to leverage its high location and proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral and make it a big part the design. In doing so, the roof will be fitted with two new large skylights, providing a clear view of the cathedral and another skylight on the opposite side for enhanced daylight penetration.

The ceiling above the existing living room and hallway will be removed to create a double-height ceiling, and the loft will be transformed into a mezzanine, converted into a study and guest sleeping area. Due to the limited space, the custom timber stairs to the mezzanine level will be compact and practical storage cupboards will be integrated.

By connecting the existing living room with the existing hallway, the new open-plan layout will significantly enhance the flat’s spaciousness. The proposal also encompasses the change to the layout of the flat’s entrance, a larger bathroom, the replacement of all existing windows with energy-efficient ones, the installation of new wiring throughout the property, and the renovation of the kitchen and bathroom facilities.