The city road house is designed according to analysis of imaginary client’s habitation patterns; a young professional couple with a weekend party habit. The North London site is an infill within a period south-west-facing terrace. Keen on privacy both within the house and in relation to the outside, they wanted specific sun and daylight patterns within the house, and use of outdoor space throughout the year. Environmental considerations were concerns, particularly heating and cooling costs.
The SW-facing site and sun-loving clients informed the main formal actions of the design. Traditional back garden was brought to the front and raised to first-floor level, providing for a private sunny garden. To maximise exposure of the garden to summer sun and allow winter sun to enter the deeper living spaces, the solar-panelled roof was skewed 20 degrees to align direct to south sun. Privacy increases as one walks from the first-level front garden, down to the ground floor guestroom and bathroom, and beyond to the lower ground floor master suite; the most private area of the house.
