Fraher Architects has added extra living area to this detached house in South West London by digging down. Sunpipes and rooflights bring natural brightness to the basement. The project’s joinery was completed by Shape
JOCELYN LOW
There are many reasons why people choose to dig down rather than extend horizontally. If you have a large garden in a rural location, then maybe a subterranean level isn’t right for you. But if you live on a tight plot in a built-up area that can’t accommodate a conventional extension, or one that already suffers from overlooking and privacy issues, excavating to create more space could be a surprisingly cost-effective option. Here are the main considerations for digging out a new storey.
Potential complications