design et al are delighted to announce that KIMA Architecture & Interiors have been shortlisted for Residential £5 Million Plus (Property by Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2017.
This project involved two adjoining Georgian terrace houses, converted into a single property, in residential Kensington, within a walking distance of Harrods. KIMA Architecture & Interiors were tasked with a three storey basement extension to provide the following accommodation: various reception areas, 5 bedroom suites, cinema, pool, spa and gym, large kitchen with dining area, garden and outdoor entertainment area. The client had purchased two adjoining terraced houses, both in poor condition, one previously used as a garage. The client had a vision of converting these into a well-appointed single family residence. The client had the following requirements: fully integrated and automated BMS (Building Management System), wellness area and pool, all bedrooms en-suite, parking space and a separate formal and family entertainment areas.
KIMA Architecture & Interiors favourite aspect of the project is the wellness area: the entire second and third level basement extensions (third level for services only) dedicated to wellness. The five by eight-metre pool in the basement has a movable floor, so that the space can be transformed into a large entertainment area, bedecked in marble. The pool also has a jet stream and waterfall feature at one end. In addition to the pool, there is also a gym, sauna, steam room and changing rooms. From the exterior, the property has the appearance of two beautifully restored Georgian terraced houses that makes a positive contribution to the street scene. In terms of client requirements, despite being a relatively small property above ground and many restrictions KIMA Architecture & Interiors managed to create a five-bedroom (each en-suite) family residence with generous living, wellness and entertainment areas.
The completed project makes the most of its location, in central London and Knightsbridge specifically. For the occupants, natural light and ventilation was provided to all rooms at basement one level, despite the property being in a highly built-up environment and in a conservation area with restrictions. The basement extension was extremely complex and challenging in terms of engineering and construction and required the services of specialist engineers and contractors. The design and installation of mechanical services and home automation was justly complex. In terms of finishes, specialist stone installers from Italy were responsible for the marble installation on the stairs, landings, bathrooms, kitchen, pool, and the rest of the wellness area. All stone floors were polished on site for a seamless finish. In terms of fittings, the 11-meter-tall custom made chandelier in the stairwell is made from Murano glass.