An 1880's terrace house on Hampstead Hill had potential for stunning views however its principle windows faced the street and the rear offered no view. The house had been carved into separate flats, with additional stairs and rooms obscuring its original layout. Over the years the structure had moved, the floors leaned and the rear extension had parted company with the front. It was clear there was little choice but to demolish the entire structure. The client’s, both journalists, required separate studies, storage for their extensive book collection, accommodation for their children and grandchildren and a gym. It was decided the house should be extended at roof level for the gym, and rear to provide a kitchen looking out to the garden, which needed to be lowered to allow ground floor access. We also took the opportunity to change the floor levels and reintroduce a new staircase top to bottom.