The dilemma of whether to move or improve in the current economic climate has allowed people to be creative in the decisions they make with their homes. North Architects were approached by the owners of a one bedroom basement flat in the heart of Stoke Newington to review the current living accommodation and advise on the potential alterations that would allow the flat to become a two-bedroom property. Key to the alterations was the purchase of an additional 25sq.m of garden from the freeholder, who was resident in the flat above. This additional space allowed the creation of a courtyard enabling natural light to penetrate deep into the plan of the flat. The courtyard also allowed the extension to be built with minimal disruption to the flat during the process. The project was completed in Summer 2013.