White Patio House in Camberwell, London

A sequence of characterful and connected spaces come together as a theatre for intergenerational living and working. A street facing home office is followed by a series of day-spaces, opening to the patio and the garden-studio at the other end. Fluid horizontal and vertical connections and long layered view lines, unveil the possibilities for an experientially rich home within the context of a congested cityscape. Being inspired by Belgian brutalism, the exposed blockwork with high recycled content delineates the whole perimeter of the site as a uniting theme and contriving an ascetic domesticity. The blockwork, steel beams, floor and metal deck: most of the materials have been left true and exposed. The project unlocks the potential of a 130 years old Victorian house and makes it suitable for high quality living requirements through innovative and creative interventions: a rear extension on the ground and first floor, a new mansard roof and an outbuilding. The initial area of the house has been more than doubled, and now houses several family generations. The old host building and the new volumes are connected by a conceptual glass “bridge”; this atrium brings daylight into the depth of the plan while visually and physically connecting all floor levels, and reducing the need for artificial light. The openable windows in the highest point of the atrium provide effective natural cross ventilation in summer eliminating the need for air-conditioning. Four photovoltaic panels on the roof generate just over half of the required energy throughout the year. Extensive green roofs on top of the new extension and the garden room reduce rainwater runoff, contribute to the outlook but also reduce the urban heat island effect, and encourage biodiversity.