D


own a quiet semi-rural road in Surrey, sits a pair of new semi-detached houses constructed in insulated concrete


formwork (ICF) and designed to near- Passivhaus standards. Although not technically a ‘self-build’ per se, being initially developed to sell, a two-man team of architect Rik Hall and project manager Matt Johnson were faced with a host of unexpected challenges that any self-builder could come across. The learnings Richard and Matt took away are useful for anyone tackling similar builds. Ever since they were rugby team-mates, and subsequently worked together on projects in east London, the pair have discussed teaming up and taking on a new build together.


issue 02 2021


However, it wasn’t until Matt presented a very promising site to Rik that things really got going on their build. Matt passed it every day on his way to work, and was intrigued by its sloping typography and unusual combination of seclusion and convenience. It contrasts strongly with the nearby London suburb of New Malden. “It feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside but you’re actually two minutes from the A3 and into town,” says Rik. The building then sitting on the site was a dilapidated Victorian cottage. Rik describes it as having “no real architectural merit,” and being a “house a child would draw.” Before purchasing the site, they knew it was going to be a case of knocking down and building new.


www.sbhonline.co.uk 57


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