How we created a light-filled atrium to a basement

The Russet House

How we created a light-filled atrium to a basement


EPC Energy Rating	Increased from F(21) to C(75)
Floor area added	Increased by 31%
Russet colour to stair	RAL 8012 – Red Brown

The mid-terrace Victorian house in north London was in poor condition. Later extensions made the interior dark and prevented a connection with the garden. The brief was to improve the flow and future- proof the house by creating a basement with bedroom, gym and cinema room that could be used as discrete apartment within the home. The extensions were replaced, and the existing rear dining room floor removed to create a dramatic atrium with russet-coloured steel stair that leads down to the new basement. South facing skylights in the new extensions are positioned to flood the basement with light.

Social sustainability is a core part of Mulroy’s work. We developed a forward-looking brief with the family, Rachel, James and their young children, that allows the building to accommodate various patterns of future multi-generational living with minimal alterations. The basement is a significant extension with easy access provided by the new steel stair. Currently this accommodates an ensuite bedroom, gym, and cinema room but in the future, this level can be easily transformed into a one-bedroom apartment providing privacy and independence within the home. The atrium ensures that this level feels part of the home to ensure social cohesion.

The whole-house renovation allowed the energy performance of the building to be improved significantly. The solid walls have been retrofitted internally and roof coverings replaced to incorporate high levels of insulation. Radiators have been replaced with underfloor heating throughout, an MVHR system in the basement provides fresh air, and infrastructure for an air source heat pump has been installed in anticipation of when the gas boiler will be replaced. The impact of this is to raise the SAP rating of the property from F (21) to C (75) and extend the properties lifespan by another 100 years.

‘The best thing about the project was how Mulroy maximised the potential of what was previously a damp, cold and unstructured Victorian house. The property has been transformed into a family home including the newly-created basement level that is flooded with light from skylights over the kitchen shining onto the amazing stairwell below.’