Nina's House

The site in South Tottenham, originally built as a clergy house for the church next door, is in the 95th percentile for air pollution nationally. The ground floor was remodeled to an open-plan layout, bringing the small garage and porch into the thermal envelope. Collaboration between the interior-designer client, ROAR, and an energy consultant was essential. A decision was taken early not to extend the property, spending the budget on infrastructure and technical performance; removal of gas supply, installation of an air-source heat pump, underfloor heating, new doors and windows, cork cladding, extensive insulative work, and an endeavor to improve air-tightness. Thick cork and softly rounded edges make a striking presence on the street, yet the house is not imposing. The cork exterior engages passers-by, sparking conversations about the natural, regenerative material. Working with the Portuguese cork manufacturer, use was made of their technical knowledge to deliver this low-carbon solution. Internally, a layer of lime plaster containing cork granules insulates one wall that could not be accessed externally. PVC double-glazing was replaced with a combination of triple-glazing and glazing with innovative suspended film technology with a superior U-value of 0.4W/m²K. The open-plan space suits the young family, but the U-shape layout also creates a zoned feeling, allowing for a degree of separation. The home has a comfortable ambient temperature, good air quality, and modest electricity bills. The joinery was fabricated locally using tri-ply board made from British Douglas Fir. The island is formed from rescued London plane, a tree felled by Camden Council. Recycled plastic forms a countertop on the sink side. Pine floorboards that were removed for structural works were reworked into ceiling cladding.