This is the excavation and conversion of an existing basement storage area below a Victorian terraced house in Hackney, East London. The basement was excavated to achieve sufficient head room and new structure installed to the support the house above. A drained cavity membrane and pump system was used to ensure the basement was fully waterproof. A new front lightwell and rear window provide a good level of daylighting and views out augmented with uplighters washing the walls and ceiling. A cement based wearing screed with underfloor heating was used for the floor finish. The studio was fitted out with bespoke built-in perimeter desking, storage wall and kitchenette.