Underpinning & support
Underpinning or piling design to support the existing and surrounding structure as the basement is excavated.
Basement Construction
Basement Construction London
EMA Structures provides structural design and engineering support for basement construction across London, covering underpinning, retaining structures, temporary works, safe sequencing, waterproofing coordination, site inspection and construction support, keeping the most sensitive stage of the build safe, stable and built in the right order.
Overview
Structural engineering for basement construction
Basement construction is high-risk work that depends on engineering at every stage. Excavating below an existing or neighbouring building removes the ground supporting its foundations, so the structure must be supported by underpinning or piling, retained by reinforced walls, and held stable by temporary works while the watertight box is formed. EMA Structures provides the structural design and the engineering support during construction, so the works are safe, sequenced and built to the design.
We support developers, contractors and homeowners building new basements, lowering existing levels and forming basements beneath the footprint of a building. Our role spans the permanent structure, the temporary works, the construction sequence and inspection on site.
What We Provide
Engineering support across the basement build
A coordinated structural package covering the permanent structure, the temporary works and oversight on site.
Retaining structures
Reinforced retaining walls and slabs designed to resist soil and groundwater pressure and form the structural box.
Temporary works
Propping, shoring and temporary support designed to keep the structure stable throughout excavation.
Sequencing
A planned construction sequence so works proceed in safe, controlled stages rather than all at once.
Waterproofing coordination
Coordination with the waterproofing specialist so the structure and waterproofing systems work together.
Site inspection & support
Inspections at key stages and answers to site queries so the build follows the engineering design.
Sequencing & Temporary Works
Safe sequencing is the heart of basement construction
More than almost any other type of structural work, a basement is defined by the order in which it is built. At every moment during excavation, the existing building and the surrounding ground must remain fully supported. This is why underpinning is carried out in short, alternating bays rather than in one continuous run, and why excavation, propping, reinforcement and casting follow a deliberate, planned sequence. Skipping ahead, opening too many bays at once, or removing temporary support too early are among the most common causes of movement, cracking and, in the worst cases, collapse.
EMA Structures treats the construction sequence and the temporary works as integral parts of the design, not an afterthought left to site. We set out the order in which the works should proceed, design the propping and shoring needed to hold the structure stable, and review the contractor's proposed method so it is consistent with the permanent design. By planning the sequence and temporary works up front, the build proceeds with a clear, safe method that protects the existing structure, neighbouring buildings and everyone on site.
Process
How we support basement construction
A staged route from feasibility through to inspected, completed works.
1
Feasibility
Assess the proposal, ground conditions and existing structure to confirm a viable approach.
2
Design & calculations
Design underpinning, retaining structures and supporting elements with full structural calculations.
3
Sequencing & temporary works
Set out a safe construction sequence and design the temporary support required.
4
Construction support
Review the contractor's method and answer engineering queries during the build.
5
Inspection
Inspect at key stages so the completed basement follows the structural design.
Who This Is For
Who we support on basement construction
Engineering support tailored to the people delivering and living in the project.
- Developers
- Homeowners
- Contractors
- Architects
- Self-builders
Engineering-Led
Stable, sequenced, built to the design
Basement construction rewards engineering involvement from design through to the final inspection. EMA Structures designs the permanent structure and the temporary works as one coordinated scheme, plans the build sequence, and stays on hand through construction so the most sensitive stage of the project is delivered safely.
- Underpinning & piling
- Retaining structures
- Temporary works
- Safe sequencing
- Waterproofing coordination
- Site inspection
Related Services
Connected structural services
Basement Extension London
Structural design for basement extensions to existing homes.
Learn moreUnderpinning London
Foundation deepening and stabilisation in safe, sequenced bays.
Learn moreGroundworks London
Foundations, drainage, retaining structures and site preparation.
Learn moreConstruction Support
Site inspections, contractor coordination and construction-stage support.
Learn moreFAQs
Basement construction questions
What structural work does basement construction involve?
Basement construction involves underpinning or piling to support the existing or surrounding structure, reinforced retaining walls and slabs to form the watertight box, temporary works to keep everything stable during excavation, and coordination with the waterproofing system. EMA Structures designs these elements together as one scheme and provides the structural calculations needed for Building Control.
How important is sequencing?
Sequencing is critical. A basement is excavated in stages, and at every stage the existing structure must remain fully supported. Underpinning is carried out in short, controlled bays rather than all at once, and excavation, propping and casting must follow a planned order. A poor sequence is one of the main causes of movement and failure, which is why EMA Structures sets out and reviews the construction sequence as part of the design.
Do you provide temporary works design?
Yes. Temporary works, propping, shoring and temporary support to retained ground and structure, are central to safe basement construction. EMA Structures can design the temporary works alongside the permanent structure so the two are coordinated and the building stays stable throughout the excavation and construction stages.
Do you inspect during construction?
Yes. Basement construction benefits from engineering oversight at key stages. EMA Structures can carry out site inspections during underpinning, excavation, reinforcement and casting, review the contractor's sequence, and answer queries on site so the works follow the structural design.
Building a basement in London?
Send us your plans, ground information or construction queries and we will advise the safest structural route for your basement.