Project Case Study: Kitchen Extension & Loft Conversion in Highgate, North London

Location: Highgate, North London | Services: Rear Kitchen Extension, Loft Conversion, Basement Conversion, Whole-House Renovation

When our clients in Highgate came to us, they had a traditional North London home with enormous potential and a clear vision: they wanted a modern, open, and sustainable family home without leaving the neighbourhood they loved. What followed was one of the most comprehensive and rewarding projects we have completed at NGC Build.

The Challenge

The existing property was a characterful but compartmentalised home typical of the Highgate area — full of period charm, but lacking the open, connected spaces that modern family life demands. The kitchen was small and closed off from the garden. The loft was unused. The basement was damp and unloved. The heating system was inefficient and the wiring was well past its best.

Our clients wanted to transform every level of the house simultaneously — and they wanted it done to an exceptional standard with sustainability at the core.

The Rear Kitchen Extension with Sedum Green Roof

The centrepiece of the ground floor transformation was a rear flat-roof kitchen extension with a sedum green roof — a living roof planted with drought-resistant vegetation that provides natural insulation, manages rainwater run-off, and gives the extension a striking, eco-conscious aesthetic.

Floor-to-ceiling Cortizo Corvison Plus slimline sliding doors span the rear elevation, creating a seamless connection between the new open-plan kitchen and the rear garden. The structural work involved removing an existing load-bearing wall and installing structural steel beams to fully open up the ground floor. A large skylight floods the interior with additional natural light.

• Rear flat-roof extension with sedum living green roof

• Cortizo Corvison Plus slimline sliding doors — floor to ceiling

• Structural steel installation after load-bearing wall removal

• Large skylight for additional natural light

• Water underfloor heating throughout ground floor

• Bespoke high-end kitchen with island and integrated appliances

The Loft Conversion: Master Suite with Walk-In Wardrobe

The loft was transformed into a luxury master suite — a master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The conversion maximises every square metre of the roof space, with carefully considered natural light and a layout designed for how our clients actually live.

The bathrooms and walk-in shower room were tiled with porcelain and Bookmatch tiles, giving the space a hotel-quality finish. Underfloor heating runs throughout, keeping the suite warm and comfortable year-round.

Basement Conversion: Cinema Room and Utility Space

The basement was converted into a cinema room and utility room. Before any fit-out could begin, a detailed membrane damp-proofing system was installed throughout — essential for any below-ground London conversion to ensure a dry, comfortable, and durable living space.

Whole-House Renovation

Alongside the structural work, the entire house was renovated to a consistent, high standard. Key works included:

• Complete rewire with new lighting scheme and home automation

• Future-proofed for electric vehicle charging points

• Internal walls insulated throughout for energy efficiency

• Water underfloor heating installed on every floor

• Environmentally friendly Little Greene paint and wallpaper throughout

• Block paving at the front and paving slabs at the rear patio and side access

• Havwoods parquet flooring in the kitchen and living areas

The Result

What was once a traditional but disconnected home is now a modern, sustainable, and beautifully finished family residence. Every level of the house works together — from the basement cinema room up to the loft master suite — with a consistent quality of finish and a clear design vision running throughout.

The sedum roof extension in particular has been a conversation piece for neighbours and visitors alike. It is a genuinely unusual and beautiful solution that also performs exceptionally well for insulation and water management — proof that sustainability and great design are not mutually exclusive.

Thinking About a Similar Project in North London?

If you are considering a kitchen extension, loft conversion, or whole-house renovation in Highgate, Islington, Haringey, or elsewhere in North London, we would love to talk. NGC Build offers a full design and build service — from initial concept through to final handover — with transparent pricing and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results.

• Free initial consultation for North London homeowners

• Full design and build — one team, end to end

• Specialists in extensions, loft conversions, and whole-house renovations

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs