• Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

  • Peter Cook

    Peter Cook

of

Public Realm

Ungar Architects urban treehouse

‘The Hampstead Penthouse’ boasts panoramic views of the London

by Georgina Johnston 10 September 2020 Future Projects

The client family welcomed the transformation of their home as an opportunity to create a peaceful retreat above the city, an ‘urban treehouse’, which they could use as a living room and adapt to use as a pilates studio when required.

The project is situated in Hampstead, North London,  atop a block of flats built in the early 90s. The family live on the top floor in a three bedroom flat and own the large flat roof above, affording the opportunity to extend upwards. Ungar Architects was appointed to create a rooftop extension to take advantage of the views and to create a large patio area around it.

The challenge was to take advantage of the views outwards towards London but to minimise the views towards it. Its prominent location in relation to the other flats in the development also meant that the rear of the structure needed to be solid, but the other three sides could be glazed. Its back and height were also critical in relation to views from further afield. 

The final design is a floating curved structure which assists with the set back, and softens the visual impact of the extension. Ventilated zinc is used across the roof with minimum falls to keep the edge profile as thin as possible. The steel structure was welded and tested on site in order that the materials could be reasonably hoisted to the roof at fifth floor level. 

With sweeping vistas on three sides, the fully enclosed rooftop lounge and surrounding patio adds extra light, space and beauty to this property and a much-needed place for retreat and contemplation.


Want to submit your project to World Architecture News?

Contact The Team