Barnhouse

Sutherland Hussey Architects, London, 2001

 

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A ramp is glimpsed through the front door with kitchen window-door onto pool, where water spills over far lip and is then recycled 

Philip Thomas     Download Original

  • A ramp is glimpsed through the front door with kitchen window-door onto pool, where water spills over far lip and is then recycled    
  • The architecture is a personal statement by architect and client, a distinctively crafted building that surprises and delights    
  • The balcony to living room overlooking kitchen and ramps    
  • The end of the ramp down; dining room entrance between chimney stack and screen wall    
  • Oak girder ramp down from first floor towards entrance    
  • The living room with principal views to the right (north-east)    
  • Conservatory    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • First floor plan    
  • Section    
  • The architect’s earlier CAD image from the north (pool then not adjacent to house). The north-east, larch-clad facade is tight to the site boundary     
  • Early CAD image, from the south, indicating final massing, the layout following the original buildings on the site    
  • Sketch of the Barnhouse    
  • Detail section    
  • Detail section    
  • Detial section through conservatory and ramp    
  • Key long section through conservatory and ramp    

A family home conceived as three buildings all linked by a south facing conservatory and contained courtyard

The two-storey timber-framed barn, with dining room and study below and reception room above is connected to a bedroom pavilion, constructed of rendered blockwork forming a private haven at the far corner of the site. A lightweight conservatory extends out from the kitchen, turning to embrace the barn and bedrooms, uniting the three elements.

The conservatory encloses the intimate southern courtyard, set behind a high brick wall which marks the boundary of adjacent properties.

To the north west, there is a mature garden with a pool, which can be accessed directly from the kitchen and dining room. Externally, the north-west elevation of the kitchen block is clad in precise blue engineering brick. Combined with the galvanised metal windows, the effect is like that of the most uncompromising work of the 1960s.

The materials used are deliberately robust and detailed in a direct, simple manner to allow for the self-build nature of the project.

Data

  • Begun: Jan 2000
  • Completed: Dec 2001
  • Floor area: 410m2
  • Sector: House
  • Total cost: £500,000
  • Tender date: Dec 1999
  • Procurement: Design & Build
  • Address: 82 Highgate High Street, Highgate, London, N6 5HX, United Kingdom

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