The Retreat
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Project Overview
The Retreat loft conversion was delivered in line with detailed architectural drawings and structural calculations, ensuring the build met all engineering and safety requirements. The project involved adapting all internal steel posts to connect seamlessly with two substantial 254 x 254 steel beams spanning 15 metres, supported on engineered bearing points. To maximise structural integrity, 1m x 1m padstones were installed beneath every steel throughout the property, providing optimal load distribution and long-term stability.
The loft structure was constructed precisely to specification and features a striking 15-metre rear dormer with a centrally positioned three-metre balcony. Internally, the space was designed to create two generous bedrooms with open-plan layouts and large sliding doors, enhancing both light and flow.
To the front of the property, a pitched dormer houses a centrally located master bathroom, while two additional pitched dormers—one in each bedroom—flood the space with natural light and help maximise usable floor area. The children’s bedroom was enhanced with bespoke LED feature walls, while the bathroom includes recessed niches, a double vanity, and a freestanding bath for a luxury finish.
Fire safety was fully integrated throughout the project, with fire-rated doors, intumescent strips, and an open-plan gallery landing creating a safe yet contemporary environment. Externally, all dormers were fully clad to achieve a clean, natural finish, complemented by a brand-new Marley roof fitted with small-format tiles in a burnt flame finish.
The conversion was completed with high-quality uPVC windows, along with vented fascias and soffits to promote maximum airflow—an essential feature for the cold deck flat roof design. The result is a structurally robust, beautifully finished loft that truly lives up to its name: The Retreat.
Design & Construction Highlights
Rear Dormer & Balcony
15-metre rear dormer with central balcony creating expansive living space
Natural Light Design
Multiple pitched dormers maximising daylight and usable floor area
Bedroom Layout
Two spacious bedrooms with open-plan layouts and sliding doors
Luxury Bathroom
Master bathroom featuring freestanding bath and double vanity
Gallery Landing
Contemporary open-plan landing with full fire-rated safety features
- Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
Discover what our clients have to say about their experience working with our construction studio.
EXCELLENT Based on 45 reviews Posted on Emily HudsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A massive THANK YOU to the whole Atkins team for all your help bringing our dream home to life, maximising every inch of our new loft conversion. The hardest working, nicest guys around, we can’t thank you enough! From architect drawings, building control, scaffolding, the build, carpentry, plastering, plumbing, electrics, tiling… you sorted absolutely everything with no stress for us. Got our main loft structure built in a record 5 days!! We had more than a few extra jobs to add on and even knocked through to our garage and built a downstairs w/c for us. So impressed with your work and the attention to detail finish. A special shoutout to Matt, who must have thousands of messages everyday but somehow always has time for you whilst hanging off a roof & makes you feel prioritised, quick responses and dealt with everything BANG ON! We have loved seeing your video updates & commentaries 😄 We’re going to miss having you all around. So polite, professional & fun (great singers) and all amazing at what you do. Couldn’t recommend enough - everyone is always shocked at how happy we are with our builders, but you guys are the best! THE FUTURE IS ATKINS 😎 Emily & Alex HornchurchPosted on Charles MorrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Honestly where to start this chapter. It all started with securing quotes from multiple companies for our loft conversion project at my home in Southend-on-Sea. In the end we spoke to 5+ companies who all gave a similar price. So how do you make your choice? I based it on their portfolio and customer reviews, and Atkins are the leaders in that aspect by a large margin. Also, their ease of communication, friendliness, professionalism, prompt responses to my queries made me very comfortable in choosing them to take our project on. Consider you will be talking to whoever you get to take on your loft for up to 8 weeks daily. If you’re not going to get on with them, how will that communication support in getting your project to life. The whole Atkins team are the friendliest individuals around making me, my partner and daughter feel very secure. If you’re looking for a loft conversion or garden extension, save yourself the time of contacting multiple companies and just go with Atkins, they will do you right. The whole process was very smooth and easy as they have their own architects, building control, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, carpenters, painters, and flooring specialists. We wanted a new master bedroom + en-suite, ended up with that plus walk in wardrobe and a study. I only had a general idea of what I wanted in terms of the finer details but I was able to put my trust in every team member Atkins utilised and I would recommend you to do the same. They are the experts, heavily consider what they think is best and how different aspects should look. My loft project the Atkins team took on came with unexpected challenges to which the team rose too, and went above and beyond to ensure we were happy. If you need a loft project to be completed, the Atkins team are the ideal partners to make what you envision come true. They’re a great bunch of guys, the hardest workers around and I wish them all success in the future.Posted on LouTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WoW what a fantastic hard working group of guys, QUALITY WORKMANSHIP,punctual,friendly,Top Notch Job👍🏻WELL DONE Fellas.Posted on Dan VeroftTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quality work, clean, efficient and organised great team !Posted on george coxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matt and his business partner taking on my extension couldn’t of asked for a better team , very professional got eye for the brilliant creative work , unbeatable prices for high quality work , made the process so easy for me and my partner as we thought it was gunna be a lot to handle but the boys at Atkins have undertaken it all , they couldn’t do enough , will be recommending and using for more future worksPosted on Jamie ChantTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I recently had a loft by Atkins loft And Ben and Matt were great from start to finish. Honest, reliable and completed the works to an extremely high standard, couldn’t fault them. Fantastic firm keep up the good work.Posted on Gary PageTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Didn’t really get to meet the guys but they helped out with my neighbours loft who was had over by another firm & was basically left with know roof on her house & they took half the money, I see the Atkins banner up on the scaffolding & within a week i come home from work and the roof was on and tiled and so my neighbour said the inside was done exactly how she wanted it once it was completed! My wife spoke to the guys a few times and said they was very polite and down to earth , even bought our kids sweets couple of times for letting them park one of the vans across our drive 👍🏻Posted on emma sandersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. we are so pleased with the outcome Atkins built us a luxury garden bar ready for the summer and we are honestly so pleased it’s exactly what we wanted. very respectful team of hard work men. highly recommend these to anyone looking for work in there home .Posted on Tracy ColmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a lovely garden room installed by Atkins custom builds and couldn't be happier they were very hard working and nothing too much trouble as we changed plans a couple of times. Great bunch of fellasPosted on P S STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service had a loft conversion by the atkins team they was very professional and completed my loft to a very high standard we are very happy. Top Service Gents. Thank You