As structural works at our extensive triple basement project come to a close, we ask the question – is this the last triple basement in central London?
As a London-based structural engineering consultancy, we at ED have completed over 500 basements in the thirty years we have been in operation, building up significant expertise. At one point, we were the retained structural engineers on one in five of the basement designs submitted for planning consent in Kensington & Chelsea alone and 50% of the double/triple basements. Many of our projects have been multi-storey, which adds huge value to a property, but are complex to shepherd through planning, design and build.
Take this super-prime residential project in Kensington, where ED’s structural engineers working closely with the architect have designed a triple basement extending to just under 2000sqm. The project has necessitated excavating 15m below the existing five storey house. To facilitate the excavation, we designed an innovative steel façade retention system and a top-down excavation sequence, whilst supporting the retained structure on piles. The final structure will measure 31m in height from basement to roof level. This highly complex project has been running on-site for over three years and is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2026. The stunning home will deliver the client’s vision including a 25m pool and spa sanctuary, gym, cinema room and multi car stacker.
As house prices soften and building costs increase, we find ourselves wondering whether our Kensington project could be the last triple basement in London. With a significant number of local authorities having introduced ever more demanding, restrictive and costly basement planning consent processes, all of which vary from borough to borough. This may well be the last of our multi basement level projects. Certainly, from an engineering challenge perspective we hope it’s not, but if it is, as a company, we think we can be rightly proud of the challenges we overcame in delivering this impressive scheme.
ED has developed a deep familiarity with the basement planning requirements of every London borough, and we are always delighted to share our expertise and provide advice. To find out more, please give us a call on 020 8785 4499 or drop us an email to hello@elitedesigners.co.uk.
