Shape Architecture works on the transformation of Mews properties throughout Kensington and Chelsea and many other London Boroughs.  Here we have gained planning permission for both a basement extension and a roof terrace adding much more space and outdoor amenity to the Mews property. At each level the interior layout was improved to provide accommodation more suited to our client’s needs.  A feature of the design is the stair ads it winds from basement to roof terrace where it terminates in a glazed box which has one side that slides over the other to provide access to the roof terrace.

Click here to link to our project in Adam and Eve Mews

As a practice we undertake many basement extensions throughout London and this is one of our favourites.  The basement is full of natural light, well integrated with the rest of the house and designed with creative features such as the glazed floor panels providing light into the media room.  With an infill extension the lower ground floor over the basement is redesigned as one large space divided into a series of zones for kitchen, dining and setting. The appearance is one of a simple elegance.

Click here to link to our project in Redesdale Street 01

Having completed our first project at Redesdale Street we were recommended to the owners of the neighbouring property and started work on the transformation of their house which was divided into flats back into a light, elegant contemporary home.  We have been awarded many projects on this basis.  A particularly successful part of the project has been the transformation of the lower ground floor where an extension, opening up of the space and use of glazing in the doors and rooflight has created a very elegant space.

Click here to link to our project in Redesdale Street 02

Shape Architecture’s extension and reworking of a modern townhouse in Woodsford Square in Kensington  features a large roof terrace and glass cube rear extension plus the total reworking of the interior.  The roof terrace is a particularly valuable addition accessed by an elegant rooflight, providing additional outside space with wonderful views.

Click here to link to our project in Woodsford Square

At the Hansom Cab pub in Kensington Shape Architecture has taken an existing Grade 2 listed flat in very poor condition and created a spacious light filled interior through a total internal refurbishment and a new extension.  The challenge was both in gaining listed building consent and determining a construction methodology that allowed the public house to carry stay open with limited disruption whilst the work took place.  This was achieved and the result is a total transformation of the property.

Click here to link to our project at the Hansom Cab Pub

Common to all our projects is the use of glass to bring natural light into all parts of a project and to provide a better visual and physical connection between the Interior and exterior. These vary from structural glass panels set into the floor to glass cubes housing stairs. Large scale glazed panels and rooflights feature in our projects.

We carry out house extensions of all types which all serve to transform a home.   Light bright contemporary interiors are formed with excellent views onto gardens beyond.  Very often the roof is a green sedum roof with an elegant rooflight set within.  This helps the extension merge into the garden when viewed from floor levels above.  We will design 3 or 4 options to discuss with our clients and all designs use 3D graphics to ensure clear communication.

Shape Architecture has been successful in obtaining planning permission for roof terraces throughout London.  These vary from those to Listed Buildings such as Florin Court, to a variety of Mews houses.  Our portfolio of roof terrace projects also include those to a typical terraced house and in several instances the house is divided into flats and the provision of a roof terrace to the upper floor flat is even more beneficial.

Our basement projects form an important part of our portfolio of work.  We have carried out over 30 basement projects throughout London.  Our basement extensions range from those to mews properties, to houses and below gardens and flats.

A successful basement extension rests on the bringing in of natural light into the interior, which is key in creating a quality of space and this is where we have much experience.  Added to this is the design of the stair which might be sat below a glazed section of roof.  Thereafter the arrangement of rooms and their relationship with lightwells is important to consider.

We communicate clearly to our clients, and this is the foundation for a successful project.  All designs, no matter what size, are developed in 3D alongside freehand drawing.  A typical concept proposals brochure will have 4 or 5 different options described in 3D, 2D and freehand drawings and this will be the basis for discussion with the Client as we determine the preferred design.