Basement Extension in Kensington
Shape Architecture has obtained planning permission for a new basement extension in Kensington. The project is located in Adam and Eve Mews. The Mews location presented certain design and planning issues that had to be addressed. These included the way in which light could be brought into the basement. In addition to the new basement, the project brief called for the opening up of the ground floor level and the change of use of the existing integral garage into living accommodation.
Architects in Kensington
Our experience of basement design as architects in Kensington has proved valuable. This was particularly the case in dealing with sensitive planning issues that are involved in a Mews setting and in this instance we drew on previous planning approvals in conservation areas in Kensington and also in cul-de-sac locations.
Light and Space
The Mews location meant that there was no opportunity for a lightwell or roof lights to the street side of the property. There was however an existing lightwell at the rear of the property that would provide potential for daylight into the basement. This challenge resulted in the introduction of a continuous internal strip of structural glass across the full width of the property at ground floor. The existing lightwell was extended down into the new basement which brought light and air into the basement space and provided a dramatic feature within the property that links the new basement to the existing ground floor. Additional space was added to the ground floor through the conversion of the existing integral garage, which allowed the ground floor accommodation to now occupy the full width of the property.