Downley Avenue:

The project’s brief was the Building Control Regularisation of an internal attic conversion that was carried out some 20 years previously. The original internal extension which included a vertical ladder up to the attic provided some much needed additional internal space at that time in what was a very small one bedroomed house, but didn’t comply with the Building Regulations requirements for means of escape. The solution arrived at was as follows: Remove the vertical ladder to the attic. Replace with 60 degree cat ladder. Provide a fire curtain on the existing staircase, separating the upper two storeys from the ground floor. Provide full smoke alarm and fire detection.
Provide a means of exiting the first floor in a fire.

To satisfy the last item, a large opening window would have sufficed, but instead, the architect decided to install a fully glazed fire exit door and timber fire escape stair. This provides not only a physical connection, from the first floor living room to the rear garden, but also allows the rear of the living room to be bathed in brilliant evening sunshine.

All the new elements have been designed, detailed and constructed to a high level of crafted quality, while being constrained by the Client’s limited budget.