Design Buy Build Issue 36 2019 | Page 74

Going Underground: Stunning Family Home in Highgate With London property developers digging deep to maximize potential some commentators believe we are seeing a new golden age of basements in the capital. However, creating such projects present interesting challenges for developers. Citadel Design and Construction have recently completed this beautiful family home, designed in the style of the art and craft movement and backing onto Highgate Golf Club. They have created a stunning home with six bedrooms on the first and second floors and two large reception rooms with a large kitchen and breakfast area on the ground floor and a lift to all floors. And with prime residential space at such a premium in London, Citadel excavated below ground to house the swimming pool, entertainment room and gym in the basement, together with an ancillary plant room and utility room. The entire garden area was also lowered by 1.7m to provide a better view from the ground floor areas with the basement level eventually accounting for 35% of the floor space. 74