947 Square Feet of House Fit Between a London Victorian Terrace Home and a Substation
The carefully crafted brick infill by architecture firm Whittaker Parsons figures neatly into the streetscape.
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Project Details:
Location: South London, United Kingdom
Architect: Whittaker Parsons
Engineer: Price and Myers
Builder: Building Contractor & Services Ltd
Year Built: 2022
Footprint: 947 square feet
From the Architect: "The Corner Fold House is a compact, urban infill carefully crafted for a downsizing couple in south London. Sandwiched between a live substation and a short Victorian terrace, the Corner Fold House makes the most of its small plot. Built on a tight budget within a logistically challenging context, this compact house has been economically designed with moments of spatial and material generosity, utilizing every inch of space."
The small home offers clear views across the gardens to the Crystal Palace.
Photo by French + Tye
The home’s roof and parapet are faceted, folding elegantly around the corner, and creating a robust addition to the streetscape.
Photo by French + Tye
A small outdoor terrace is accessible by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors leading into a private sunken courtyard garden.
Photo by French + Tye
The lower ground floor houses the kitchen and dining rooms with polished concrete flooring, bamboo-lined joinery, and countertops.
Photo by French + Tye
The arrangement of spaces is key to the design, ensuring that each room keeps an abundance of natural light and ventilation.
Photo by French + Tye
A beautifully crafted oak staircase is located at the front of the building serving the south-facing habitable rooms and has been detailed to create a sense of movement and energy with natural lighting through large north-facing windows. The curved plaster wall and its mirrored recesses invite light into the space.
Photo by French + Tye
"Traditional construction methods were used to keep the construction costs low and ensure good building quality. The garden, green roof, and internal spaces are easy to maintain, an electric car charging point is installed, and thermal elements are designed to ensure the occupant’s comfort and minimize the property’s running costs."
Photo by French + Tye
The house is split over three floors comprising a living room and bathroom at the entrance level, the primary bedroom, a dine-in kitchen, a laundry room, and a subterranean study/guest bedroom located on the lower ground floor.
Photo by French + Tye
By exposing ceiling joists and rafters, the architects were able to make interior spaces appear taller, and the large windows were positioned to maximize natural lighting in each room.
Photo by French + Tye
The oversized window of the primary bedroom boasts expansive views to the south.
Photo by French + Tye
Cleanly fitted shelving, closets, and storage line the entry wall into the bedroom.
Photo by French + Tye
The home’s entry is on the second level, where a vibrant mix of simple materials offers an elegant introduction.
Photo by French + Tye
"The ‘hit and miss’ brickwork on the front elevation lets light into the stairwell but crucially provides screening from passers-by on the street."
Photo by French + Tye
The rear roof of the home is an extensive green roof and a sunken courtyard that is enclosed with raised planters and a trellis that enables the homeowners to garden with ease.
Photo by French + Tye
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