Project Overviews
Read a synopsis of our past work, don’t forget to check out our “Completed Work” page for all of the pictures from the list below.
“The Lighthouse”, North London – Autumn 2023
We were commissioned in 2022 to complete a full renovation of a 1930s property, which was in an excellent location but lacked charm. The property was a fully detached house with a lack on insulation, which enjoyed a long garden space to the rear.
The brief was to create a new kitchen and living space at ground floor level, which was to have a profiled roof form and plentiful natural lighting. At the top of the house, a new master bedroom was to be formed in what was presently an unheated attic space. Aside from the first floor, which had some well proportioned bedrooms, the house was to be entirely re-modelled.
The property has received an entirely new high performing thermal envelope. Triple glazed timber windows replace UPVC sashes. A fully insulated rendered wall system covers what was originally a cracking render and pebbledash façade. The roof was completely rebuilt with a new warm roof system with high performance insulation, and received new large triple glazed fully openable windows.
Our clients wanted something warm and contemporary, but liveable. We used a palette of natural oak, marble and colour that was informed by the veins in the natural stone. The roof volume is described in two large angular forms that suck in light and draw out heat. A raised terrace divides the kitchen from the garden, which sits just over half a metre up from the level of the grass.
Crouch End, N8 – Winter 2024
We were asked to tender for this project by Mulroy Architects (whom we had work alongside on previous projects), once we saw the plans and central Crouch End location, we were delighted to do so.
As the architect’s were not going to be project managing on this occasion, it was imperative that we struck up a good rapport with the clients form the outset. This was achieved through attending various pre-start site meetings in order meticulously go through the plans and create a working plan for the duration of the project, that aligned with their budget and vision for the house.
The brief was to add a side extension, new kitchen, structural glass roof, rear Crittall-style doors, metal cladding to the rear and side exterior walls, garden refurbishment, restore the original floorboards, decorate throughout, create a utility space in the basement, new bathrooms, bespoke joinery for a cloakroom area and many other smaller elements. We are thrilled with the final result that we achieved at this house! The vibrancy and industrial themes that run throughout, really compliment the original aspects of the building. The client’s ability to juxtapose modern and classic design features in every room, added to the appeal and left visitors wanting to explore every nook and cranny of the property.
We grew very found of Dan, Jess and the boys and continue to stay in touch since finishing! It was truly a delightful experience working with these clients from start to finish and we enjoyed collaborating to deliver their project.
Whitehall Park, N19 – Autumn 2023
Another project that Portico has completed within the popular, Whitehall Park Conservation Area of N19. We designed and built this wonderfully airy and light kitchen extension by adding a glass side pitched roof, minimally framed sliding glass doors and an all glass rear section. This was achieved in part by cleverly adding a steel post set slightly back from the rear doors, to allow for them to be opened fully from left to right, without the need for a supporting brick pillar between the doors and fixed window.
These features were complimented by a handless modern kitchen, stone worktop and large format floor tiles that transferred via a level threshold out to the rear patio area.
Southgate, N14 – Spring 2023
A beautifully modern transformation of a property set in the quiet and desirable London suburb of Southgate. We were briefed to add a kitchen extension, loft conversion and totally refurbish the property and rear garden. In order to achieve this, we used modern materials and methods to attain a striking finish inside and out. The dormer was clad in an aluminium standing seam finish and the steels were left exposed in the kitchen area, along with carefully positioned LED accent lighting throughout and slim profile sliding rear doors to the garden.
In addition to this, another focal point of the house was the wonderful wrought iron balustrade that rose through each level of the property giving a subtle, but sleek finish to an otherwise ordinary space of the house. The bathrooms were finished to a high standard and coupled a mix of tiled and wooden decorative aspects to attain a chic hotel style look.
