Green Lodge is situated in the Roehampton area of London, adjacent to Putney Heath. This neighborhood, once a quaint village, now features a diverse architectural landscape that includes detached homes, Georgian and Edwardian structures, traditional terraces, and expansive modernist council estates. In this eclectic environment, Stylus Architects has identified a plot of land behind a Victorian house to construct a contemporary family residence.
Innovative Design and Construction
The new building replaces previous outbuildings and neglected land, commissioned by a contractor who has collaborated with Stylus on multiple projects. The only stipulation from the contractor was for Stylus, under the direction of Matthew Withers, to execute the design quickly while maximizing environmental efficiency. To achieve this, the architects opted to excavate and position much of the living space below street level, allowing the façade to maintain a single-story appearance.
Unique Layout and Natural Light
Green Lodge features an unconventional layout, placing the living room, dining area, and kitchen on the ground floor, while three bedrooms are located on the lower ground floor. The exterior showcases an angular, wood-clad façade that hints at the intriguing design within, characterized by a seamless, faceted roof and flush roof lights. However, the full extent of the design is only revealed upon entering the property.
Natural light floods the living spaces, while the lower ground floor benefits from two south-facing sunken courtyards that connect directly to the garden through external staircases. Additionally, a roof light above the staircase enhances illumination throughout the lower level.
Thoughtful Interior Design
The strategically placed light wells ensure that all three bedrooms receive ample daylight, with one featuring an ensuite bathroom. The other two bedrooms share a bathroom equipped with a free-standing tub from Lusso Stone, which also provided the sinks and toilets. Illuminated roof panels above a wooden lattice ceiling cleverly conceal the lack of natural light.
Each bedroom includes custom joinery and storage solutions designed to integrate seamlessly with the house’s exposed concrete structure. This approach fosters a sense of cohesion and precision, optimizing the available space and creating a harmonious aesthetic throughout the home. In the children’s bedrooms, wardrobes incorporate built-in workspaces, while the upper level features a storage wall that includes a fireplace.
Materials and Aesthetics
The innovative use of consistent materials enhances the perception of space, particularly on the ground floor, where ceiling heights rise into the roof’s pitch. Single-pane roof lights appear to float above the openings in the sloped ceiling.
Engineered wood flooring complements the cabinetry, while a custom oak and steel staircase with angled balustrades provides a clear pathway to the lower level. The exterior is entirely clad in larch, reinforcing a sense of unity and solidity.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Covering an area of 175 square meters, Green Lodge is relatively modest in size. It incorporates a combination of photovoltaic panels and an air source heat pump, featuring a bespoke cooling grille designed by Withers, resulting in a highly energy-efficient home. This efficiency is further enhanced by the inherent thermal stability of the underground bedrooms.
According to the architects, ‚Green Lodge reads as a singular sculptural form that will weather and soften over time, embedding itself further into the wooded landscape of the heath. The result is a restrained and confident piece of architecture that is both highly resolved and deeply connected to its place.‘
Architectural Details
The staircase leading to the lower ground floor is illuminated by a roof light, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space. The principal bedroom features a bespoke vanity unit, and the entrance hallway is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Stylus Architects has successfully created a modern family home that not only meets the needs of its occupants but also harmonizes with its surroundings, showcasing innovative architectural solutions and sustainable practices. For those interested in similar architectural projects, one of London’s most spectacular houses is opening to the public next month, and you can also explore Inside Conductor, a design-led workspace in east London.
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Bildquelle: Foto von Georg Eiermann auf Unsplash
