Drakefield House
Drakefield House – Basement Extension & Victorian Renovation in South Wimbledon
This extensive renovation and full-footprint basement extension transformed a traditional three-storey Victorian terrace in South Wimbledon into a contemporary, multi-level family home designed for modern living.
Appointed following planning approval, Studio : MASS delivered the full technical design, Building Regulations package and on-site project oversight through to completion in spring 2024. The centrepiece of the project is the newly excavated basement, creating valuable additional living space within a constrained urban plot. The lower level now includes a home gym, dedicated office, cinema room, shower room, utility space and plant room – all brought to life with newly formed front and rear lightwells that flood the space with natural light.
A bespoke open timber staircase connects the basement to the dining room above, creating a striking architectural feature and encouraging visual flow between floors. To support the open-plan layout, a residential sprinkler system was seamlessly integrated, allowing design ambition and safety to work together.
At ground floor level, the existing rear extension was remodelled and extended to form a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area centred around a large contemporary island. Sliding stacking doors open onto the garden, while a glazed bridge across the rear lightwell maximises daylight and strengthens the indoor-outdoor connection.
Upper floors were reconfigured to create a generous master suite with walk-in shower and twin basins, an updated guest shower room and improved family accommodation within the loft.
Constructing a full basement within a Victorian terrace required careful structural sequencing and specialist coordination. Excavation was carried out in stages using temporary support systems to protect neighbouring properties, demonstrating the level of planning and precision required for complex basement construction in South London.
The result is a thoughtfully reimagined Victorian home that blends period character with contemporary design – expanding vertically to create space for work, wellbeing and family life without altering the character of the street.
This extensive renovation and full-footprint basement extension transformed a traditional three-storey Victorian terrace in South Wimbledon into a contemporary, multi-level family home designed for modern living.
Appointed following planning approval, Studio : MASS delivered the full technical design, Building Regulations package and on-site project oversight through to completion in spring 2024. The centrepiece of the project is the newly excavated basement, creating valuable additional living space within a constrained urban plot. The lower level now includes a home gym, dedicated office, cinema room, shower room, utility space and plant room – all brought to life with newly formed front and rear lightwells that flood the space with natural light.
A bespoke open timber staircase connects the basement to the dining room above, creating a striking architectural feature and encouraging visual flow between floors. To support the open-plan layout, a residential sprinkler system was seamlessly integrated, allowing design ambition and safety to work together.
At ground floor level, the existing rear extension was remodelled and extended to form a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area centred around a large contemporary island. Sliding stacking doors open onto the garden, while a glazed bridge across the rear lightwell maximises daylight and strengthens the indoor-outdoor connection.
Upper floors were reconfigured to create a generous master suite with walk-in shower and twin basins, an updated guest shower room and improved family accommodation within the loft.
Constructing a full basement within a Victorian terrace required careful structural sequencing and specialist coordination. Excavation was carried out in stages using temporary support systems to protect neighbouring properties, demonstrating the level of planning and precision required for complex basement construction in South London.
The result is a thoughtfully reimagined Victorian home that blends period character with contemporary design – expanding vertically to create space for work, wellbeing and family life without altering the character of the street.
Project Year: 2024
Project Cost: GBP 750,001 - GBP 1,000,000
Country: United Kingdom
