38 PROJECT REPORT: SELFBUILD & CUSTOM BUILD PROJECTS
multi-level terrace descends to the lawn via steps constructed in a similar brick palette to the facades. The architects specified floor to ceiling windows and glazed doors rather than bifolds, due to their belief that “there are so many mechanisms in them that unless you go really high end, it’s too easy for things to go wrong.”
Planning & a hitch
While Hill says that gaining permission was helped by Barnet council being “pretty slick when it comes to planning,” partly due to being part-private, part-public, meaning they’re “more target-driven, less subjective,” obstacles however came from another quarter. The neighbour to the west with the most set back house (which the new house’s living space extends out to match), had misgivings about daylight and sunlight being compromised. He brought in the ‘big guns,’ hiring the ex-head of Barnet council to object to the proposal.
ATRIUM
The 10 metre-high central atrium alleviates the house’s relatively deep plan, and provides a surprise feature as visitors enter
PROJECT FACTFILE
Architecture: RISE Design Studio Project architect: María Lopez Mata Contractor: GEB London Structural engineer: Tyrone Bowen, CAR
Sustainability consultant: Enhabit Lighting design: Kreon Belux Sustainability consultant: Enhabit Zinc roof specialist: RAC Roofing & Cladding
Specialist kitchen: RISE Design Studio + Liam Dryden Rooflights: The Rooflight Company
would also enable the architects to relate the volumes to the differing positions of the two neighbouring properties, with one sitting further back in the plot than the other.
Hill explains: “We could have just drawn a line and filled in more areas, but they were happy for us to manipulate the back, and create this really contemporary response.” Part of the reasoning was in trying to create a more human scale than the more monolithic front elevation, alongside the large window openings. “Breaking it up means people can relate to it a bit more than they would say an office block.” The resulting rear elevation extends the open living area via three ‘fingers,’ helping to delineate kitchen, dining and living spaces. A fortunate precedent was given by one neighbour having already extended, and daylighting issues for them were avoided, thanks to a lack of windows facing the property. In the garden, the
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However the architects were able to deploy consultants Strutt and Parker, who they’ve used previously as planning consultants. Hill says that if the objectors had had their way, “it could have been a massive block, the planners would have made us draw a diagonal line for the rear elevation.” The resulting “fairly big compromise” made by the client meant that the master bedroom, ensuite, and walk-in wardrobe, all initially on the west side, extending over the living space, are now on the east flank. However, Hill is sanguine about this, saying it “might have actually benefited the overall architecture, made it more dramatic – we don’t often say that about what planners do.”
There are now three ‘fingers’ at first floor level too, albeit not extending out as far as on the ground level, but making for an interesting articulation. The middle finger, extending behind the atrium space, protrudes the furthest, a slight echo of the gentle protrusion of the entrance on the front elevation.
Layout
As a result of the site, the property is entered at the ‘upper ground’ level, containing two lounges, arranged either side of the tall, white atrium. This level sits about a metre higher than the lower ground level, meaning that you step down into the south-facing main living/dining space, with its striking zinc table and reclaimed Iroko timber worktop. Kitchen and utility are to the east, and a cosier wintertime lounge and
ADF JULY 2021
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