What drawing skills!

Firstly... Happy new year!

Secondly... I had promessed some readers  to make an overall recap of the project so far... But am afraid this is not it yet!!!

And 3rd .... I have just got some drawings in my inbox which I simply had to share. (It may arguably give a good visual recap!)

We had decided to commission a friend and ex colleague of mine for some hand drawn visuals of the scheme for a potential off plan sale.

We did this knowing he has exceptional skills, but what I received is truely special.
It is work in progress, but already gives a great taste of things to come!

... And please bear with me. That recap is coming! 

Rear 3d view/ section 

Working out distances

I (shamelessly) allow myself some input. ( but pls don't judge my pathetic sketching skills (in comparison) too harshly -its done on my phone!) 

Slightly less glamorous pictures this time round.

Its been a tumultuous week.

Finalisation of contract with the basement contractor.

Neighbours calling regards party wall demolitions.... Last minute agreements..... But  thankfully diplomacy prevailed.

On the one side of our narrow access pathway, we have kindly been offered to use some space from the neighbouring garden....

And on the other we managed to gain an extra 30cm by negotiating the removal of the meter high party wall....

Which we will of course rebuild in due time!

This means we now have a 1.4m wide pathway to the site which will allow the contractor to use more substantial digging machinery.

Gaining time and minimising headache!

The clearing up of the site has started in preparation for the heavy duty work ahead.

We are talking about:

- the removal of approx 300 cubic metres of earth - construction of a 30m long concrete shell,
- waterproofing and associated drainage, water pumps etc
- underpinning of the entire existing (ground plus one) house (chimney stacks etc), on an entirely new steel structure underneeth.
- over 1600 sq ft of space below ground level plus sunken patios for light, access to the garden ventilation etc.

Let the adventure continue.....

A magical architectural promenade leading up to the magnificent palace! 

The view of the impressive side return patio! 

The luxury guest suite ! 

The nanny studio? 

And the grandiose landscaping.

Fashion glamour in the damp & cold!

After the mood shots  from the previous post, inspiration struck!!

Now I have to diverge a little from the main topic of the blog and give some background information:

I m a bit of a split personality; I have another life in fashion. Actually currently I could say that the property development is more of a "mistress" while fashion is my wife ( in terms of the amount dedicated during my work week.)

So last minute we decided to make a " autumn winter15 pre collection shoot". ( with our label -b l ^ n k- ) 

Two days later we had the model and I decided to shoot myself.... (No pun intended here!!).

Below some pictures giving a flavour of things to come! 

And yes of course we will have to make another shoot when all is done..... And who knows we may make one in the building site for some "hard hat" styled glamour?