Eight two- and three-bedroom apartments will be constructed in the airspace above a residential block in Camden, North London, in a project being delivered by leading rooftop development contractor, BRAC Contracts. Work on site commences this month and completion is anticipated by June 2023.

BRAC Contracts has been appointed by Oakley Square Developments Ltd to add the two-storey extension to the existing purpose-built structure which is currently comprised of 35 residential units. Redshell Consulting is acting as Contract Administrator and Quantity Surveyor on the project and founding director, Michelle Lowe, comments:

“Extending buildings upwards is an increasingly popular option for housing delivery, especially in densely populated areas such as London. Construction does, however, need to be carried out by those with experience of this highly specialised approach.

“BRAC Contracts not only demonstrated an impressive track record of completing similar projects, but that they were able to do so within the budgetary parameters and within the intended timeframe. We’re looking forward to working with the team over the coming 12 months and to seeing the vision for St Matthew’s Lodge become a reality.”

The project has been designed by architectural design firm, Echlin and in addition to the apartments being constructed, a programme of improvement works that include reconfiguration of the existing communal entrance lobby, a new lift shaft, upgrades to the post room, bin storage and bicycle store, as well as external landscaping will also be carried out.

The new apartments will be constructed using light gauge steel, a modern method of construction which offers many benefits including being lighter, more cost efficient, and robust fire solutions which enable more efficient overall wall construction performance. Being prefabricated off site also means quicker installation time and less disruption to existing residents.

Each apartment will each benefit from flexible, open-plan living areas, good levels of natural light and access to private external amenity spaces via an external roof terrace or balcony.

Adam Clark, director at BRAC Contracts, concludes:

“Having recently completed our own airspace development in nearby Tufnell Park, we’re delighted to be starting work here at St Matthew’s Lodge and to have the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise to the teams at Redshell Consulting, Echlin, and Oakley Square Developments.

“The existing structure is located on the corner of Oakley Square and Crowndale Road but doesn’t currently command the prominence that its location provides. These new apartments will allow St Matthew’s Lodge to realise that prominence and the eventual residents will enjoy spectacular views across London.”