What do to with this concrete "bench"

3 years ago

We've recently bought a basement/garden flat in an Edwardian terrace which needs a complete renovation. On one of the rooms we have this "bench" made of concrete. We believe that similar rooms in the same street have the same structure, but others don't. It could be part of the support of the building, but we are not certain. This will be our guest bedroom/studio.

Ideally, we would remove it so that we layout of the room would be nice and clean. But this doesn't seem wise. Our builder says that the risk/cost might not be worth it.

So now we are struggling to decide what to do. We are getting a new floor in, new window and the rest of the room will get a bit of TLC. Probably underfloor heating (so no need to consider the radiator)

Our only idea is that we could get a custom made table/desk to be fitted on top of the structure. The downside is that it will need to be a bit wider than usual so opening the window might be a stretch.

Any other clever ideas?

PS: the sink is going of course!

Thanks!

Enrique

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Comments (8)

User
3 years ago
How deep and high is it? Could be made into a comfy window bench?
keiblem
3 years ago
What an interesting if inconvenient structure.

You said you were considering putting a desk over it. Much depends on the overall size of the room. Do you have a floor plan?

Meanwhile my first thoughts are could you install a window seat as Sarah L suggested and have the desk in front looking into the room. Another possibility is to build the guest bed and bedside tables over it with perhaps the bed head under the window.
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Enrique Cornago Mora
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for your comments!

It is about 30cm deep and 70cm high (at its highest, it has a bit of a slope).

Perhaps too tall for a window bench. Especially given that you cant use it for storage.

Using it for the bed is not a bad idea either. The problem is that it is 115cm wide (in its front part, where the radiator is) so not ideal.

Floorplan attached. It is not a big room. We were thinking having a bed (or sofabed) against the left hand side wall, desk against the window and some shelving/cupboard in the bottom wall

Cheers
Enrique
cannonja
3 years ago
Don't touch that concrete bench, as its a basement flat , its likely part of the structural design
How many floors above your apartment 🤔

Likely thicker deadwork to support upper structure
A structural engineer should advise if removal is possible and please ensure you receive all supporting documentation, for future reference.
keiblem
3 years ago
I think your existing plans are fine. You could either leave the structure as an interesting oddity or get a carpenter to tidy it up with panelling and a level shelf on top. The sprightly amongst us might manage to perch on top with a few cushions for comfort! Or going back to my thoughts about putting a bed there. I was thinking of a bespoke bed frame that is built over the structure extending beyond the window either side up to the width of a double bed. You could possibly have a deep bedhead incorporating a shelf. A carpenter could advise you on the practicalities of this before you commit.
PRO
OnePlan
3 years ago
I have faux drawers in a similar structural element in my home -just ordered fronts and handles and make it look like it was meant to be there ! In this situation I’d suggest faux cabinets too, as it’s a bit tall for a window seat.
keiblem
3 years ago
Faux drawers sounds much better than panelling. Turn it into a fun element rather than see it as a hindrance.
Enrique Cornago Mora
Original Author
3 years ago
Excellent, we will look into that too!

Thanks everyone!
Enrique

What do to with this concrete "bench"

Comments (8)

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keiblem

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What do to with this concrete "bench"

Comments (8)

User

keiblem

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Enrique Cornago MoraOriginal Author

cannonja

keiblem

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EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Enrique Cornago Mora
Original Author

Enrique Cornago Mora
Original Author