Cellar and vault conversions to South Hampstead period houses — turning an existing coal cellar or sub-pavement vault into a dry, usable room, often with less excavation than a new basement.
Speak to the studio directly: 020 8054 8756
Many South Hampstead villas already have a cellar or a brick vault under the front pavement, built for coal and storage. Converting that existing volume into a usable room is often simpler and less disruptive than excavating a new basement — the space exists, so the work is about damp, light, headroom and access rather than deep digging.
The main challenges are waterproofing and head height. Period cellars are damp and rarely have full standing height, so we tank or cavity-drain the structure and, where needed, lower the floor modestly to make the room comfortable. Sub-pavement vaults sit under the public highway, so they may need Camden and highways consent.
We assess the existing structure, confirm what consents apply, and convert the cellar into a dry, ventilated room — utility, study, wine store, gym or playroom — with waterproofing, services and Building Control all handled in one contract, and honest budgets in pounds sterling.
A cellar conversion uses an existing void — so damp, height and ownership matter more than excavation.
Converting an existing cellar usually means less excavation and disruption than a new basement.
Period cellars are damp; a maintainable tanked or cavity-drain system is what makes the room usable.
Many cellars lack full standing height; a modest floor reduction may be needed and must be done safely.
Sub-pavement vaults sit under the highway, so Camden and highways consent can apply.
From survey to a dry, finished room — making the most of the cellar you already have.
Assessing the existing cellar or vault, damp, height and ownership.
Confirming Building Control, and planning or highways consent where the structure is altered.
Type C cavity-drain or tanked systems with pumps and a maintainable design.
Modest, engineer-checked floor reduction where head height needs improving.
Ventilation and dehumidification designed to keep the room dry long-term.
Power, lighting, heating and drainage run into the new room.
Improved stairs, and light from lightwells or sun-pipes where possible.
Utility, study, gym or store fit-out, snagging and handover.
We convert existing cellars and sub-pavement vaults across South Hampstead’s period villas in NW6.
South Hampstead sits within the London Borough of Camden — see our South Hampstead area page and North London refurbishment overview.
Book a no-obligation consultation at our North London studio on Finchley Road, in Hampstead, or at your property. We will give you an honest read on approvals, programme and budget band — in pounds sterling — before you commit.
Site visit · approvals read · outline budget band (GBP) · programme indication. No obligation.
Send Project DetailsThe same NW3 design-build team covers the neighbouring areas: