A-Z of Self Build Guides Guide To Building In Tight Spaces

Date Published:

30/05/2008

Of course, the instinctive plan for a plot with such a small surface area is to build upwards for several floors. Unfortunately planning permission can sometimes prevent this. The obvious solution in this scenario is to build downwards. The perfect example is this flat in Kensington, an area with restrictive planning regulations.

Alex Michaelis dug down four metres to allow himself a spacious home. Using well-placed light wells sparingly throughout has provided Alex with decent levels of natural light without making the property feel like a glass box.

From the outside you'd never know that this property hides a three bedroom family home with a playroom and swimming pool. Inside, the property utilises open plan design to make one space flow into another, providing the maximum impression of space.

Best of all, this is the only modern property in the area, and only because it is built underground. Were it above ground it would have to be synonymous with the Victorian brick houses that surround it.

So, if you're keen on finding a small city plot try checking an OS map or aerial photograph of your neighbourhood of choice. You'll notice lots of potential plots, but be careful because if the plot looks too good to be true, it probably is. Property developers are a shrewd bunch, so if they haven't seen the potential of the land it could be for a good reason. Try getting in touch with a specialist land development agency to see if they know of anything in your area.

Good places to look are scraps of land in between buildings, but also check out commercial spaces such as garages and workshops - it may be that planners will allow a change of use.

The best advice is to go out, look for yourself and do all the research before buying. If property developers haven't bought it up, there could be a reason. Or you might just have beaten them at their own game...