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Writer's pictureRobert McBride

Transforming Drakefield Road: From Basement Extension to Dream Home


Introduction :


We are excited to share the journey of our latest project on Drakefield Road in South Wimbledon. This ambitious transformation took a classic terraced house in a Conservation Area, and turned it into a modern, spacious home, showcasing our commitment to innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship. Let’s take a detailed look at how we brought this vision to life, from initial drawings to the final reveal.




section through building showing proposals
Isometric Section

The Vision :


Our client dreamed of a home that combined modern aesthetics with functional living spaces. The project involved:

  • A full footprint basement dig.

  • Rear ground floor and Basement level extension

  • Significant structural changes, including the replacement of the ground floor structure

  • Integration of contemporary design elements while maintaining the character of the terraced row.



Step 1: Planning and Design :


It all started on the drawing board. Our team worked closely with the client to develop a design that maximised space and light. Key elements included:

  • An open-plan living area on the ground floor with a new feature staircase down to basement level. 

  • Expanding the basement to cover the full footprint of the house, and digging out to create sufficient height. 

  • Creating luxurious kitchen, dining and living space and beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms with modern finishes.


Floor Plan Drawing  showing basement and ground floor extension
Floor Plan Drawing

Step 2: Basement Excavation :


One of the most challenging aspects of this project was the basement dig. Given the tight space constraints of a terraced house and no access to the garden without going through the property,  it made excavation tricky. To get around this we opted for an innovative approach: using an electric digger. This specialised equipment was carefully lifted in through the bay window to carry out the excavation, allowing us to:

  • Minimise disruption to the surrounding properties.

  • Efficiently dig out the basement to cover the full footprint of the house.

  • Maintain a cleaner, quieter worksite compared to traditional diesel diggers.





Progress images, including the electric digger and the basement excavation.




Step 3: Structural Overhaul

With the basement excavation complete, we turned our attention to the upper floors. Removing these levels in a terraced house presents unique challenges due to the close proximity of neighbouring properties. The team implemented several key strategies to ensure safety and precision:

  • Temporary support structures were installed to maintain the integrity of the building and adjacent homes.

  • Careful deconstruction of the existing floors to avoid damage to shared walls.

  • Installation of new, modern support beams and flooring systems to accommodate the redesigned spaces.


Rear extension almost complete
Rear Extension


Step 4: Construction and Finishing Touches


After addressing the structural complexities, we moved forward with constructing the new interior spaces. This phase included:

  • Building the new open-plan living area on the ground floor, seamlessly integrating the living room, dining area, and kitchen.

  • Designing and constructing luxurious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and maximised natural light.

  • Installing modern bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and high-end fixtures.

The design focused on creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. We used sustainable, high-quality materials throughout the project to ensure durability and a premium finish.






The Drakefield Road project is a testament to what can be achieved with thoughtful design and meticulous execution. From the initial concept to the final reveal, every detail was carefully planned and implemented. The result is a stunning, modern home that perfectly meets our client's needs and enhances the character of the terraced row.




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