Our Fulham basement extension and whole house redevelopment in Clonmel road was for a developer client. As such the planning application had to be submitted quickly, which we were able to do within a matter of several weeks. Working as architects in Fulham with and extensive portfolio of basement extensions both in Fulham and throughout London, we were able to guide our clients through the design process and the options that exist in a clear and informed way.
Our basement projects in Fulham nearly always incorporate the full range of extensions and complete refurbishment which was also the case in this project which concerned a basement extension, side and rear extensions, pod room, loft conversion with front dormers and the complete internal refurbishment of the property.
A key feature is the design of the staircase between the Ground and Basement levels. On some our Fulham basements, we have created this stair as a feature of the property. Here this opportunity for the creation of a design feature was also followed. The stair wraps around a White glass-clad cube that and itself sits on a polished concrete floor. The stair in oak completes the composition from a limited palette of high-quality materials and provides a real focal point for the project ensuring that the basement extension integrated with the project as a whole.
As Fulham architects, Shape Architecture’s portfolio of fifteen basement extension in Fulham over the last several years continues to expand. Underpinned by our relationship with the planning and building control departments, we enjoy working with local structural engineers and contractors who specialise in basements locally and who have a proven track record. An essential component in any of these projects is the relationship between the structural engineer and the architect. A good working relationship gained over the experience of many such projects will ensure the best integration of structure and architecture and efficient design. Similarly, the relationship with experienced basement contractors is also crucial. In the first instance, it enables the architect to put together a list of experienced basement contractors at the tender stage who will compete to win the project. Thereafter, the project benefits from established personal relationships and shared expertise of basement project work.
Within a project such as at Clonmel Road, we also design the lighting layout and a variety of items of bespoke fixed furniture. Throughout our many projects in-and-around London this is regularly included in our tender packs, enabling an accurate quote from contractors on tender returns.
At the design stage, Shape Architecture uses detailed three-dimensional models to convey the proposed work to the client. A standard tool in all projects, be it an extension in Fulham or a large basement project in Kensington, no matter what the size, Computer visualisations enable all parties to understand the proposal and to contribute fully to the discussion and design development.
Shape Architecture continues to work in Fulham and Kensington in Basement projects. The emphasis on achieving architectural interest with the efficient use of material and funds is at the heart of the practice’s ethos. We continue to enjoy working in Fulham and are ever-happy and well-equipped to take on the challenges of new basement developments.