Bramfield Road

Clapham

London

THE PROJECT

Bramfield Road renovation is what could be termed a typical London rear extension to align with Planning rules, allowing infill and extension to the rear with extensive internal upgrades as well as underpinning and the addition of a basement. The existing house was a 3 level row house and the existing design had a small kitchen to the rear and living to the front of the dwelling. The client wanted more open space and more light to the back of the house as well as creating a stronger connection with the outdoor living space; an issue common in all parts of the world.

THE CHALLENGE

The existing house was a 3 level row house and the existing design had a small kitchen to the rear and living to the front of the dwelling. The client wanted more open space and more light to the back of the house as well as creating a stronger connection with the outdoor living space; an issue common in all parts of the world.

THE DESIGN

The project introduced a bump out extension at ground level at the back and to the side with new structure to support the upper levels. Large skylights were introduced along all parts of the bump out roof area to bring light deep into the house. The new area housed a large kitchen with tall cupboards to all internal wall with significant island bench in the middle. Expansive sliders provided a wide glazed opening and views to the newly refurbished courtyard. On the opposite side of the kitchen, a new brick wall was introduced as a textural element to give the impression that the new extension was built directly supported by the neighbouring external wall. The new basement required extensive underpinning and a series of partywall agreements between neighbours, but offered space for wine cellar, a dedicated laundry / utility space as well as extensive storage for the remainder of the house. A new ground floor WC was created as well as bespoke integrated joinery was proposed on the ground floor level, which provided additional storage. The most challenging aspect of the design was the seamless integration of new services and structures. Hiding plumbing from above, sealed manholes from below while maintaining access, new steel beams and elevating the design from fairly dark and quite typical to a higher level of luxury for the area.

THE OUTCOMES

The Bramfield Rd dwelling was given a new life and more functionality in a confined site. The additional light deep into the space transformed the internal spaces. Challenges and complexities of underpinning the dwelling created additional space that was not possible to create elsewhere. Overall a good outcome for a very confined site.