Basement Extension in Wandsworth’s Toast Rack – Light-Filled Media Room, Gym & Study

We designed a concept scheme for the basement extension of a large detached house in the prestigious Toast Rack area of Wandsworth. The client's brief was to expand the existing lower-ground area beneath the rear garden to accommodate a media room, home gym, and study.

At the heart of our design is a large garden light well, conceived as an extension of the outdoor space. This central element introduces natural light deep into the plan and visually connects the interior with the landscape, creating bright and welcoming subterranean spaces.

To add interest and enhance spatial quality, the new layout plays with split levels. A short flight of steps separates the new basement from the original, improving ceiling height and increasing natural light. The sunken media room and study area sit just below the light well, enhancing the sense of enclosure and comfort. When seated, the planting and glazing are at eye level, bringing texture and life into the space.

A bi-folding timber door allows the study to function flexibly—either as a private retreat or an extension of the media room. A secondary small light well with a planted feature wall brings light into the study and provides a natural outlook.

The gym area, located at a slightly higher level, sits between both light wells. Fully glazed walls on two sides allow cross-lighting and natural ventilation, while textured materials and planting provide visual depth and softness.

Additional features include a shower room and storage space, accessible from the gym, and an external staircase that connects the light well directly to the garden patio. The material palette combines white brick, warm oak flooring, polished concrete, and dark timber details, creating a tactile and serene environment.