An update to a Grade II listed Georgian town house at the heart of Hampstead, London. This house forms part of the fabric of one of London’s best-preserved suburbs. It is typical of the character of the area and of the streets around it. The house was originally extended in the 1930s and subsequently altered on several occasions in the 20th century. Most recently in the 1980s a part of the ‘spine’ structural wall on the ground floor of the house was removed to connect the two living rooms. In 1987 a bathroom was fitted to the top floor, while in 1997 the whole basement was tanked using a modern chemical tanking system. The basement of the house in particular was in a poor condition at the start of this project. The brief called for opening up the dark and cellular basement, as well as increasing usable floorspace. Light, air and precision were required to enhance the spaces and careful material choices ensured their reach into the whole depth of the basement storey. Following careful structural and remedial damp work, a low speed central ventilation system and new services were installed throughout. The windows and original timbers underwent restoration work, a new structural opening beneath the main spine wall was formed and a new utility room was fitted. Finally bespoke joinery was installed throughout to maximise the unique arrangement of nooks, crannies and rooms.