Elm & Willow House

Text description provided by architect.

This project involves restoration and alteration to the existing Edwardian house, and the demolition and construction at the rear of a new addition.

Our intention was to create an “inside is outside is inside” environment, where inside and outside spaces were interchangeable elements.

The two mature Elm and Willow became the constraints to the project. They informed the arrangement of our new addition, and together with passive solar orientation the result is a U-shaped plan enclosing a north-facing courtyard.

The concrete floor and roof slabs are meticulously detailed, with significant input from our structural engineer, to appear and feel light, floaty and airy - a dialectic relationship between weight and material.

Internal planning strategies were devoted to the spatial hierarchy, through interplay of inner and outer, and sequencing of spaces.

The link between the old and new is merged into the layering of spaces where inside and outside become one – the transparency of the borders separating interior and exterior allows the eye to perceive other elements that create the spatial order: fences, trees, stones, woods, clouds and borrowed landscape.

The concrete structure provides thermal mass to the house with the slabs further insulated to minimise heat loss.

All glazing is double-glazed to provide comfort to the interior, and the deciduous trees provide essential shading to the house during summer.

Energy and water-saving fittings have been used throughout and rain water is harvested for use in the gardens. A new carport with grid-connect solar power panels is in the design process.

The clients found passion in designing their gardens and their first child was also born during construction. It is a house for enjoyment, living amongst the landscape with family, and the appreciation of tranquillity, intimacy and sanctuary - which were all part of the original brief.