Underpinning a house by 1m is a significant structural change, for this reason, planning permission had to be sought, causing delays with the project.

The biggest challenge, however, was the ground conditions. The ground was very sandy and had a very high-water table, meaning that every excavation would collapse in on itself. Every single one had to be braced and propped during the dig and then remained in place after to concrete at been poured.

Project Details

Basement conversion within a Victorian end terrace c.1835. in which a young family required space for a children’s playroom.

To transform the basement into a useable living space, the old floor was removed, and all walls underpinned by a meter from their original foundations. When the floor was lowered a new floor was put in, increasing head height from 5’8″ to a finished height of 6’9″.

A light well was dug and built next to the chimney for emergency egress. A cavity drainage membrane (CDM) along with perimeter drainage linked to a sump and pump was installed, allowing for a large dry space.

The basement was made soundproof with acoustic linings and finished to allow a large, stylish and quite place for children to play.

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Location: Nottingham
Completed: 2011