How do I address concerns of darkness and isolation in a new Basement?

A ‘Rooflight’ in the Basement made from two mirrors.

Architectural innovation has the power to transform our living spaces, address concerns, and create truly unique experiences. At RISE Design Studio, a small contemporary design-led architecture studio with a focus on low energy and low embodied carbon designs, we exemplify this spirit of creativity and problem-solving. In this post, we will delve into one of our remarkable projects – a periscope installation in the basement of a Tyburnia (just east of Bayswater) mid-terrace house. This ingenious solution not only addresses concerns about darkness and isolation but also brings a touch of intrigue and connection to the outside world. 

The Challenge: Overcoming Darkness and Isolation

When Zoe Birch and Andy Beverley, a client of RISE Design Studio and owners of Physiomotion and Simplelists, expressed concerns about the potential darkness and isolation resulting from expanding their house into the basement, we embarked on a mission to find an innovative solution. The goal was to create an experience that would transcend the limitations imposed by structural boundaries and provide a unique connection to the outside world.

The Periscope: A Submarine-inspired Perspective

We drew inspiration from spy novels and submarines to create a periscope installation that would bridge the gap between the basement and the street above. Traditionally, periscopes feature mirrors positioned at 45-degree angles, allowing viewers to look forward from a position that is lower that the viewpoint. However, in this unique version, the mirrors are strategically placed to enable the viewer to look up (at the mews at street level above) from a desk in the basement while seeing the outside world.

The Mechanics: Bouncing Light and Capturing Images

The periscope functions as a light-bouncing mechanism, utilising angled mirrors to create a visual connection between the basement and the street outside. As light enters the periscope, it bounces from one mirror to another, similar to the way a pinball ricochets between bumpers. Eventually, the light reaches the viewer’s eye, just as it does in an SLR camera. The process involves the light hitting the first mirror, then being redirected to a second mirror, which flips the image before it finally reaches the photoreceptors in the retina (the retina converts light that enters into your eye into electrical signals your optic nerve sends to your brain which creates the images you see). Through this innovative arrangement of mirrors, the periscope enables an unobstructed view of people walking along the mews outside the house.

The Experience: Beyond Structural Boundaries

Our periscope design transcends physical barriers, allowing basement occupants to engage with the outside world in a unique and captivating way. Instead of being confined to a dimly lit space, residents can now enjoy a glimpse of the street and the vibrant activity happening just beyond their walls. The periscope serves as a portal, providing a fresh perspective and an emotional connection to the surrounding environment.

Architectural Ingenuity and Client Collaboration

This periscope project exemplifies the innovative thinking and collaborative approach that define our work. By listening to the concerns and aspirations of Zoe and Andy, our clients, we were able to conceive a solution that not only addressed the practical challenges but also added an element of surprise and delight to the basement renovation. The periscope serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between architect and client, resulting in a truly exceptional architectural experience.

If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3949 8471

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