Chelsea chairman to give premier overhaul to basement

The owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, has won approval for a luxury refurbishment of his Kensington residence.

With a projected cost of £10m, the major works on the project will see a duplex basement extension created, running the length of the three-linked property. A Grade II listed building located in an exclusive area of the capital, the approval called for minor amendments to the masterplan.

The scheme will still see significant areas of the property demolished and reconstructed though, to include walls, staircases and a 1960s lift shaft.

Existing concrete flooring will also be removed and re-laid. With the present trend for both businesses and residential customers dictating innovative new approaches to concrete floors, it is likely the Russian billionaire will have some stunning ideas in mind.

Across the world, homeowners and architects are taking exciting new directions, bringing a touch of art to proceedings. From the creation of checkerboard spaces, to stark and contrasting industrial looks, the material offers both a talking point and great practicality.

The favoured trend at the moment is for polished concrete; ideal for office entrance areas and, in the home, a great addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Many residential developers are introducing such schemes into modern apartment blocks too – always a sign of the times.

The plans for Abramovich’s London home, once the residence of St Thomas More, were approved in late February 2013, and should bring him some comfort as he looks to line up a new manager at Chelsea for next season.