Woodbury House

Woodbury House 

Of Architecture

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

ARCHITECTS
Of Architecture

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT
Km Dimensions

MANUFACTURERS
Accoya, Furness Bricks, Particular Kitchens, Vmzinc, Velfac

QUANTITY SURVEYING
Hockerton Housing Projects

GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Built London Ltd

LEAD TEAM
James Mak, Yeonkyu Lee

DESIGN TEAM
Jongwon Na, Minji Kim

MEP CONSULTANTS
Tbk Projects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Lorenzo Zandri

AREA
130 M²

YEAR
2025

LOCATION
Barnet, United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Houses, Refurbishment

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

Text description provided by architect.

1. What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project? Woodbury Residence drew inspiration from decalcomania—the art technique of creating mirrored patterns through folded paint.

We applied this concept architecturally, not as literal replication but as thoughtful dialogue between old and new.

The project's core concept emerged from our octogenarian client Kathryn's pioneering spirit. Rather than aging amongst accumulated memories, she embraced change through architectural transformation.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

Her approach echoed modernist architects' philosophy: curating select meaningful elements from the past—handwoven shawls, Edwardian furniture, her late husband's handcrafted rosewood table—while creating a contemporary living environment suited to her evolving needs.

2. What were the difficulties or first setbacks encountered? The primary challenge was balancing preservation with transformation. Creating a continuous thermal envelope while maintaining the character of the Edwardian property required meticulous planning.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

Designing for an elderly client presented another challenge—ensuring accessibility without institutional aesthetics. The natural site levels in Barnet demanded creative solutions to maintain flow between spaces.

Additionally, preserving meaningful elements from the original structure while meeting modern energy efficiency standards required innovative approaches to material reuse and thermal performance.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

3. What were the construction techniques and the principal materials used in the project? The project employed Passivhaus construction principles to achieve exceptional environmental performance.

Key techniques included: Creating a continuous thermal envelope with mineral wool insulation, Installing mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, Incorporating an air source heat pump and photovoltaic panels, Strategic cross-ventilation for natural temperature regulation.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

Principal materials were selected for both continuity and sustainability: Handmade burgundy bricks from Cumbria that visually connect with the existing house.

Rosemary terracotta tiles salvaged from the demolished music room, Elm floorboards from the original structure, repurposed as kitchen cabinetry.

A bespoke ecclesiastical oak screen in the stairwell, paying homage to Kathryn's husband, who designed the local church, Utilitarian stainless steel brackets for the stair handrail, referencing Aalto's designs.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

4. Explain briefly: spatial configuration and main reasons. How was it accomplished? The spatial configuration prioritizes accessibility, light, and flow.

The ground floor follows the natural site levels, housing an accessible bedroom and bathroom for Kathryn, essential for aging in place.

Living spaces flow naturally between cooking and dining areas, creating rooms with light from multiple aspects.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

At the entrance foyer, a slender oak screen creates visual interest while concealing a study alcove beneath the stairs—a private retreat for Kathryn.

This screen simultaneously divides and connects spaces, allowing filtered views between areas—a physical manifestation of the project's conceptual approach.

We accomplished this configuration through careful spatial planning that honored the existing structure while introducing new elements.

Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri
Woodbury House
© Lorenzo Zandri

The ground floor layout responds to accessibility needs, while the upper levels maintain connection through thoughtful sightlines and material continuity.

This approach creates a home that supports Kathryn's next chapter while honoring her past, proving that architecture can facilitate embracing change at any age.


Woodbury House
Model
Woodbury House
Model
Woodbury House
Model


Woodbury House
Ground Floor Plan
Woodbury House
1st Floor Plan


Woodbury House
Floor Plan - Material Composition
Woodbury House
Section - Material Composition


Woodbury House
Section
Woodbury House
Axonometry