Loke Road

The Numbers
Home Buyer Report: £400
Refurbishment Costs: £85,000
Architect: £10,000
Furniture: £5,000
Annual Rental Income: £30,000 pa

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The brief

Finding the most feasible design for a flood-prone area

As we went through the design appraisal, it became clear that an HMO would likely face obstacles due to local planning restrictions and high flood risk. Given these factors, we shifted focus toward a flat conversion that would better align with local regulations. We worked closely with the client, assessing different layouts, and the best fit turned out to be two duplex flats. This setup allowed us to avoid ground-floor bedrooms for flood safety while also meeting the client’s goals for practical, attractive living spaces.

The challenges

Designing flood-safe duplexes with functional layouts

The main challenge was designing around the flood risk, which meant no bedrooms on the ground floor. Instead of the usual flat split—one unit up and one down—we created two duplexes, each with its own private entrance, living area, and kitchen on the ground floor, with all bedrooms safely upstairs. We even managed to add a third bedroom to one of the units by designing a small dormer for the attic. With thorough planning and reports from a flood risk assessor and transport consultant, the application moved smoothly through approvals, resulting in a well-thought-out conversion that met safety and design needs.

Soundproofing was also a major focus, with enhanced acoustic insulation required to bring the building up to residential quality. On top of all this, we faced ongoing challenges with the BC officer, who sometimes requested revisions after already approving certain items. This meant our onsite team often had to redo work to stay compliant, keeping us on our toes as we moved the project forward. Despite the twists and turns, we’re turning this unusual building into a comfortable, safe, and stylish residence.

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