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.
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.
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.
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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