Posts by:

Robin Nicholas

As London basement architects Shape Architecture has now worked on over thirty basement extension projects in London. These projects have been undertaken in a number of boroughs ranging from Fulham to Kensington, Richmond, Camden, Windsor and many more.  It is this breadth of experience that contributed to Shape Architecture's expertise in designing London basements. In[...]

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There are a number of simple key decisions to make when designing a side extension or rear extension to your property to ensure a successful project.  Below we discuss a series of these key points and illustrate then with a number of our projects. The Use Of Light A side or rear extension offers an[...]

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As Sustainable Architects Shape Architecture has designed many timber framed buildings.  These vary in scale from the recycled Eco Sheds to the new Early Years Building for Anthony Roper School In each instance the use of timber both as elements of the structural frame and also the facade cladding has formed an integral  part of[...]

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Shape Architecture is about to start on site with our Kensington  extension project at Edge Street. This project incorporates a side infill extension alongside the opening up of the interior to form a large bright contemporary space with excellent connection with the small garden beyond.  An enlarged existing second floor creates a master suite giving[...]

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Shape Architecture continues to work on our large London basement and whole house refurb project in Kensington. Our recent article detailing the sustainable upgrade of a large country house near St Albans illustrated a number of ways that an existing property can be upgraded so as to use less energy and live more sustainably. Here[...]

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The Design Process   Shape Architecture is a Chartered RIBA practice with considerable expertise in private residential architecture of all types and size and is able to answer any questions you may have regarding your proposed project.  We are happy to visit you at your property to discuss your plans and make no charge for[...]

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1. How do I get Light into a Basement The key to bringing light into a basement extension is to create a variety of sources of natural light in type, size and location.  The primary source of natural light and natural ventilation is the basement lightwell.  These are typically to the rear and front of[...]

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Following on from our recent news item on drawing buildings we show here how hand drawing, computer modelling and physical models can be used in the design of a feature stair at two of our Fulham basement projects.  One in St Dunstans Road and one in Ellerby Street. At our project in Ellerby street the[...]

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Architecture Sustainable
Shape Architecture draws by hand on every project and strongly believes it is an essential part of the process of both the design and the communication of our projects. Initial Sketch of Antony Roper School in Kent. Nonetheless the sketch can communicate much that a computer generated model cannot.  The essence of a design idea[...]

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Shape Architecture has just obtained another planning permission in Fulham.  This project is for the extension and remodelling of a modern townhouse to include making the integral garage into habitable accommodation. In being able to co-opt the garage into the ground floor plan we have been able to create a light bright contemporary interior space[...]

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Sedum Roof Collage
Fulham Planning Success Shape Architecture has received planning approval for a Fulham basement extension in Melrose Gardens.  The project is a contemporary design with many interesting features and represents our 16th planning permission for a basement extension in Fulham. A key feature of the project is the elevational treatment.  Long strip window openings to the[...]

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Upcycle and Recycle Upcycling is generally defined as the creative re-use of materials.  Recycling can be defined as converting waste materials as new materials. Shape Architecture continues to design low energy projects that seek to re-use materials  and products.  These range across both the residential ad community sectors. At Shape Architecture this is an approach[...]

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London Basement
Our project in Kensington which forms one large family home from 4 separate flats with the addition of a basement and further extensions is progressing on site.  The project incorporates several sedum roofs at different levels and large format Roof Lights to ensure all areas are flooded with daylight. In addition to the use of[...]

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Shape Architecture has gained planning permission to create a family home through combining a two storey flat with the hairdressers it shares part of the corner site with.  Also co-opted into the family dwelling will be the single storey store rooms used by the hairdressers.  All the accommodation will then be set around a courtyard[...]

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In a similar fashion our stair to a large project in Kensington that sees three flats amalgamated into one house is located in what was the lightwell between the flats and the open side of the lightwell is the closed with an eight metre drop of glass ensuring that the stair and the open landings[...]

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