Iceberg Houses - The Only Way Is Down!
- So called because, like the proverbial tip of the iceberg, often most of the property is below the surface - unseen.
- Ironically this can cause unseen undermining of adjacent properties relying on their neighbouring structures for support. The Party Wall Act may be powerless to prevent problems.
- Particularly popular in posh areas where land is expensive or simply not available.
- Planning prohibition can prevent upward extensions but may be unable to deny excavation below ground.
- This can involve several storeys down and with the use of modern Sun Pipes even caters for natural sun light, albeit without a view unless you have a powerful astronomical telescope or perhaps more appropriately a periscope!
- Ideal for car parking, swimming pools, cinemas, gymnasiums, dark rooms, storage - basically anywhere light deprivation is either important or unimportant, as the case may be, due to the non requirement for a view from a window.
Published: 8 November 2013
Last Updated: 17 November 2021