Following an initial appointment to advise on some minor structural works to an apartment in a magnificent, Victorian villa, Float Structures were retained by the building owner to support Mata Architects on the complete refurbishment of all five apartments.

Vaulting Loft is the penultimate project, which extends and re-models the top-floor flat. The original double-ridged roof structure was completely replaced to enclose the lost space between the ridges with a flat roof, creating a huge internal volume and allowing the introduction of a mezzanine area. The structural design of both the roof and the mezzanine was refined to minimise the depth and maximise clear height.

Options to retain parts of the original timber roof were explored. However, the client was keen to upgrade the thermal and weather-proofing performance of the envelope and so a new, clear-spanning steel frame was constructed to give complete freedom of the internal layout.

Design workshops were undertaken with the contractor and architect to develop the roof geometry and the steel and timber connection details to ensure buildability and a high-quality visual appearance.

The project has featured in Elle Decoration magazine and Dezeen.