Hampstead House Spa Extension, Property London, Building, Architect, Architecture

Luxurious Subterranean Oasis

Contemporary north London House Extension – design by KSR Architects and Folio Design

31 Mar 2014

Luxurious Subterranean Oasis, Hampstead

The calm below Hampstead neighbours join forces to create a luxurious subterranean oasis

Hampstead neighbours join forces to create a luxurious subterranean oasis

KSR Architects and Folio Design (interiors) have completed an unusual residential development in Hampstead, located partly under two existing conjoined houses and below their gardens. One of the houses is owned by Richard Solomon of KSR Architects, who collaborated with his neighbour to extend both properties downwards, creating their own luxurious subterranean leisure facilities.

KSR Architects originally converted at the turn of the century Arts and Crafts nursing home into three, stunning homes in 2003. The property retains the appearance of a solid Victorian mansion, belying the contemporary and spacious under-garden basements beneath. Each house has been equipped with swimming pool, steam room, gym and media room with specialist audiovisual and lighting control systems.

In the garden, extensive relandscaping integrates large lightwells reflecting the light, airy ‘outdoor’ feel created by Folio Design in the sunken spaces below. One of the interiors brief was to create a relaxed, organic and colourful environment acknowledging time spent by one of the owners in Africa. Folio achieved this using a strong palette and materials such as cast, glass, stained glass and vibrant leathers.

“We were delighted when our neighbours agreed to collaborate on the project. The decision to build underground was a natural progression for us: to add more space without compromising the elegance and symmetry of the original house. Walking into the space, you sense how well the structure has been integrated into the rest of the property. Folio Design have managed it effortlessly, reflecting our own personal influences, while accentuating the leafy space above.” Richard Solomon, Architect, Owner

Luxurious Subterranean Oasis, Hampstead – Building Information

Specialist joinery using thick iroko timber and ornately patterned teak offer a visually dramatic spa feel throughout the pool and changing areas.

Clever lighting and generous floor to ceiling heights allow significant light into these below ground spaces generating a bright, expansive feel.

Christina Barbera of Polidori Barbera, has created a stunning backdrop to one of the pools with a hand plastered feature wall symbolising the roots of existing trees in the garden above.

Specially commissioned artwork, bespoke furnishings and verdant planting establish a strong relationship to the garden above.

Unusual finishes such as folded wallpaper and textured faux pony skin (which helps absorb reflections in the home cinema) add personality and character.