CORNER HOUSE

Richness through site constraints: The site is enviably positioned overlooking the park, but also came with significant challenges that bring richness to the design solution. The form had to respond to the constraints of being a garden plot, subservient to the Victorian terrace behind, whilst also having the prominence of a corner. It was a priority to allow plenty of natural light, while also occupying the majority of the available footprint. There was a desire for a connected flow of space through the house despite the limited floor plates. There was a low-energy brief — no small task on a constrained urban site with complex geometry and multiple levels.

Flow of space: The two bedrooms are sized and organised to allow them to have work-from-home space, or to operate as living or studio space. Each of the four internal levels has access to external space and opening doors or windows, allowing a flow of space (and air) both internally and externally. Every bit of the available volume is used to contribute to the tardis effect that is experienced when entering the home.

Garden wall: The “garden wall” referencing the original wall around the site is an organising device that envelops the ground floor, allowing a clerestorey above to bring light and views of Milton Grove, wrapping around a protected courtyard, and providing a generous parapet level to the lower ground floor living space.

Comfortable natural environment: This is not a sealed box. Instead, energy efficiency is complemented by a comfortable environment framed in natural materials, with controlled solar gains and with the flow of natural ventilation where desired, managed at other times by a exhaust air heat pump.

Quiet warmth of materials: The low-energy house uses natural materials to create a quiet warmth throughout. There is an exposed low embodied-carbon Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structure, supported by sustainable technologies to provide a comfortable and resilient internal environment. The brickwork wall that wraps around the ground floor is made with lime mortar, and the triple-glazed windows are timber-framed.

Self-build development & collaboration: While independently built, the project was an exercise in close collaboration with the neighbouring new-build house. This allowed for shared groundwork strategies, new service connections, and a coordinated delivery of the CLT frames — reducing disruption on a tight site and increasing efficiency across both builds, as well as bringing architectural coherence to the mews.

The Corner House demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock the full potential of difficult and constrained urban sites.