Basement extension in Chelsea This project in Redesdale Street, Chelsea sees the addition of a basement extension with a feature lightwell and redesign of the garden. It was awarded to Shape Architecture through Client recommendation following our work on a number of basement projects in west london. Lower Ground Floor Redesign The lower ground floor has been made a simple and elegant space. Firstly a side return extension has been added to form a simple rectangular floor plan. The space is then divided into three sections for living, kitchen and dining. The division is achieved through the siting of a large feature kitchen island, being the same length as the stairs down to the basement and the kitchen wall units, thereby forming a distinct central kitchen zone, with dining to the garden side and living to the street side. The architecture of the space also helps to define the dining area with a large roof light above the dining table, formed in the roof to the extension. Connection to the Garden A glass platform sits over the lightwell and connects the interior to the garden. The glass walkway runs almost the full width of the building with a 600mm wide steel grille at either end to allow ventilation to the basement level of the lightwell. We have designed many basement projects in London where it is a glass platform and many where a glass bridge sits over the lightwell. The platform approach removes the need for balustrading and further opens up views into the garden. Several steps then lead one up into the garden. The steps are also set the full width of the garden and give a generous terrace feel suitable for sitting on rather than just walking up a narrow stair. Light in the Basement Extension The basement extension in Chelsea has a light and airy feel. This is achieved through the introduction of various types of light sources to a variety of spaces. It is Infact only the basement Utility Room and Bathroom that do not enjoy natural light. The garden side room enjoys large format glazing onto the lightwell. The street side study is lit by three structural glass rooflights of varying size and orientation. The internal corridor is lit through the stair well and is of a wide dimension to help engender a feeling of light and space. Thermal upgrade The brief included the desire to employ energy saving measures throughout the house. Shape Architecture has over fifteen years experience of designing and building sustainable architecture. We are therefore able to offer strategic and straightforward advice on sustainable measures. In this instance the project includes high levels of natural daylight through well insulated windows and rooflights. In addition thermal linings have been added to existing solid brickwork walls to improve their thermal performance. Throughout the house energy efficient lights have been specified. Detail Design A key feature of this project is the level of design and detail in items such as architraves, skirting and cornices. Here a well co-ordinated approach has been employed and details are repeated throughout the project. Garden Design The Garden has been designed to better integrate with the interior and to provide additional space for dining. To this end the level of the garden has been reduced to remove number of steps up that currently exist.