Curve Appeal

The brief, developed using nimtim’s unique ‘briefing game’, focused on a need to improve connectivity, access to daylight and legibility of spaces. nimtim identified these objectives could be met without the need to extend or alter the structure of the house.

Instead of demolishing the existing generic bolt-on extension, nimtim proposed stripping back then reconfiguring the internal layout to save energy, cost and waste.

The new joinery element acts as fire separation to the upstairs, ensuring a safe, compliant layout. It accommodates a range of services and functions freeing-up surrounding spaces to be more flexible and adaptable. It stores books, includes cupboards for crockery and creates a craft-making area for the family. New partitions conceal structural elements, large sliding doors, and glazed openings that frame playful glimpses to and from adjacent spaces.

A limited palette of inexpensive materials is playfully arranged to celebrate the family’s daily lives. Value is delivered in the composition rather than the expense of the material. By delivering the ambitions of the client brief through a single intervention, nimtim was able to significantly reduce the programme, expense and environmental impact of the project.

The material palette consists of sustainably sourced low-VOC and formaldehyde-free plywood. This sat alongside traditional handmade terracotta tiles fired using by-products such as almond shells and olive pips instead of fossil fuels. Countertops are lightweight, hardwearing Formica with low embodied carbon compared to many alternatives.

The result is a playful and unique family home that provides a template for how high quality and transformative architectural interventions can be delivered with significantly reduced material use and environmental impact.

Annual CO2 data was not provided