House with Slide.

2018

The project involved a comprehensive structural transformation of a mid-Victorian end-of-terrace house, originally constructed around 1866, to enhance both functionality and family-oriented spaces. A significant aspect of the renovation was the full underpinning of the existing cellar, enabling the excavation and lowering of the basement floor to create a substantial, habitable space. This newly formed basement features a double-height area connected to the ground-floor kitchen via an indoor slide, providing a unique and playful element for the family. To accommodate this design, careful structural engineering was required to ensure the stability of the existing foundations during the underpinning process.

The rear of the property was extended to facilitate an open-plan kitchen and dining area. This extension necessitated the installation of a steel frame to support the existing structure above, especially critical due to the removal of load-bearing walls to achieve the desired open-plan layout. Internally, various alterations were made, including the creation of new openings throughout the property to improve spatial flow and accessibility. These modifications required precise structural calculations to maintain the building's integrity while enhancing its functionality.

Additionally, a loft conversion was undertaken, incorporating a dormer to maximise usable space and natural light. This conversion provided additional bedrooms and a study area, necessitating the reinforcement of existing roof structures and careful integration with the property's original architectural features. Throughout the project, close collaboration between architects and structural engineers ensured that modern design elements were seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric of the building, resulting in a family-friendly home that balances contemporary living with the preservation of its Victorian heritage.