Hale has secured a contract for a high-end residential project in Hampstead, adding to our portfolio of residential refurbishments and extensions in desirable London suburbs.
We’re collaborating with Høeg Architects on this project, and while it’s our first time working with the studio, we’ve worked previously with the lead architect at another practice. They chose us not only for our competitive and practical response to the project tender, but for our collaborative on-site style. Not forgetting our unrelenting focus on quality.
We’re adding an extra 150 square metres of living space to a 1930s semi-detached property, by taking advantage of the sloped site and excavating a 3.5m deep basement. This will contain a gym, media room, study, utility and plant room. We’ll also be reconfiguring the existing building to make better use of the space and welcome sunlight further into the home.
The kitchen, dining and living room will be combined into a light and airy open-plan family entertainment space with internal Crittall glazing and doors. We’re also adding a striking glazed box extension with slimline aluminium frames to the rear of the property. It will feature large sliding doors which will open onto the raised patio area.
Upstairs, we’re creating a new primary bedroom suite on the first floor, with larger windows to capture the hilltop views. On the second floor, we’re changing the layout of the existing loft conversion to better suit the space and the owners’ needs.
A key design and structural feature is the new continuous staircase, completely repositioned from the existing separate stairs. A wreathed wooden handrail will weave its way through the centre of the home from the basement to the second floor. This will maximise the amount of light entering the original property, to give a greater sense of openness and better connect the three floors.
We’ll be installing advanced lighting controls throughout the home and air conditioning in the bedrooms for ultimate comfort and personalisation. Because of the large open-plan family area, we’re incorporating a cutting-edge mist system to protect the family and ensure safe emergency access in the event of a fire.
The 65-week programme, which starts mid-November, presents some technical challenges but nothing we haven’t experienced before. The site slopes from the front door and it is semi-detached off a quiet residential street, so we’ll need to implement extensive temporary works. We’re working with Green Structural Engineering to make sure we respect the existing building and neighbouring properties. Even more than usual, we’ll have clear and open communication with the neighbours to make sure everyone’s well informed, safe and happy throughout the process.
Managing Director Christian Hale said: “This project win is another example of our continued expertise in basement excavation and renovations in prime West London locations. We’re looking forward to bringing our signature blend of precision, quality, and collaboration to Hampstead.”
