Serious steels - progress update.

Still no recap this time around. Apologies.. Next post for sure! 

But a site visit today, and I am happy to announce that we have had the first steel installed; effectively supporting the entire front facade of the house!

I have to say the boys on site are doing a fantastic job in very difficult (and cold!) Conditions.

The entire length of the side wall is now underpinned by concrete, and they have also started to make the rear concrete shell of the basement in the garden. Not bad for a bit more then a month on site!

This is our front wall , with 3 temporary support beams the 4th that will stay (aligned with wall)

An inside view of the same steel from new  basement level ( yes joists and floorboards have been cut)

 

And now internal view from ground floor level

And the start of the basement at rear extension into the garden 

Rear view. Not the overgrown romantic aspect anymore. 

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? 

50 shades of "shou sugi ban".

At times, there's nothing more fulfilling then to put aside ones laptop or phone (or anything else digital for that matter) and enjoy playing with materials.

May it be stone, concrete or in this case wood. I have always found a particular joy (a deep-seated reassurance of phisycality perhaps?) in practical experimentation. 

I aught to be quoting Gaston Bachelard here.

Anyway, back to "shou sugi ban"; looking for wood cladding options for the extension, I came across this inspiring  traditional Japanese technique. 

A quick google search will tell you more, but in short: 

burning the top layer of the wood creates a protective layer that makes it more weather and fire resistant ( yes is odd but true). 

But practicalities aside, it allows for very rich textures, colours and finishes.... Something I was looking for! 

Pine, first burnt, then cleaned/brushed, either natural, oiled or with a dark decking finish.

Larch, lightly burnt, cleaned and brushed, either natural or with a clear yacht decking varnish

Pine, part burnt and washed. Natural.

Wish could convey the texture here. Beautiful to touch. Larch again. Part black painted. 

Pine, heavily burnt, either natural, " black ash decking paint, oil, or light varnish.

Switch from the keyboard & mouse.... 

Needless to say I am quite excited. Now will need to see what the city council says!?

Mood shots - "before"

Could call it the "calm before the storm"

Can't help but feel a little "romantic"  and philosophical about time. Life gone by, etc. 

Semiotic layers fading. 

previous work - visual reference

I thought it is time to introduce some previous work... Not that the current project will necessarily look like that just to give an idea of what I enjoy in terms of design aesthetics ....

The screenshots below are supposed to give an idea of what I have done in the past.

It is a property in the now "uber cool" corner of shoreditch/brick lane. Originally an open plan live work unit turned into a three bed two bathroom - part double height - white beauty (according to me!)

Pure white(resin floors)  with black (slate) and grey highlights... With some "switchable" glass floors. 

My favourite part  are the "negative spaces" created by the bedroom cupboards being "pushed" into the stairwell. 

No professional shots, just phone camera.