STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
PLANNING DESIGN
BUILDING REGULATIONS
architectural design studio
DO NOT MAIL ANY DOCUMENTS TO ANY LISTED DPL ADDRESS
EMAIL DOCUMENTS ONLY TO discountplansltd@gmail.com FOR GUARANTEED DELIVERY
WHAT HEIGHT IS NEEDED IN MY ATTIC SPACE
FOR A SUCCESSFUL LOFT CONVERSION
TO TAKE PLACE?
When designing Loft Conversions for homeowners we at DISCOUNT PLANS have to take into consideration two factors. 1. Planning Guidelines and 2. Building control matters. The proposed loft design has to fall within Permitted Development design factors such as designing to volumes which is explained in another article here or SPD planning guidelines. As all DPL drawings are mainly designed to CONSTRUCTION format our designers have to take into account Approved Document Part K1 (Minimum Headroom clearances) This article will explain the minimum headroom needed to achieve a successful Loft Conversion for a final completion certificate to be issued.
2000mm is the golden rule for a minimum headroom clearance for Building Control to sign off any Loft Conversion development
After all completed loft construction works a required 2000mm headroom is needed for a successful building control sign off. The height is taken from the mid-top landing level on the stairs to the loft finished ceiling level. 2000mm needs to be achieved not only on the new stairs going into the loft room landing but also on the existing stairs leading down to the ground floor level making sure a continuous 2000mm headroom clearance is achieved to the underside of new stairs to existing stair run leading out of the property.
2000mm Needed
on proposed
2000mm Needed
on existing
The building regulations guidelines have amended the rules slightly for stairs that have a reduced headroom similarly to a staircase located at a tight edge hip having a reduced Headroom clearance, See diagram Fig 1.1. In this instance it would be acceptable for a clearance of 1800mm to edge of the wall to ceiling distance and 1900mm from mid landing location can be allowed for an acceptable pass. This particular loft staircase example design can be found on new developments located around London, this particular property is located in barnet (North London) where the roof shape is unique looking like a modern style house consisting of a large flat roof area to support future solar panel installation scheme at a later date. The internal attic space is a large void area, which has an excellent opportunity to convert the disused space into a living area. This can be achieved by applying for a householder's application for a protencial proposed loft conversion.
