20 Homes That Are Habitats

Nestled into a protected woodland in South London, architect Helena Rivera’s family home has impressive design credentials. Part of the famed Dulwich Estate—a midcentury conservation area built by Austin Vernon & Partners—it’s full of modernist charm and has an enviable location that’s central to the city yet surrounded by mature woodland. However, the family wanted to add a fourth bedroom to the house and sought to relocate the kitchen, where they spent 80 percent of their family time. It was paramount for the extension to have a light ecological impact that would avoid disturbing the abundant wildlife in the garden—including foxes, squirrels, birds, and bats. So Helena designed the structure as a simple rectangular form that subtly extends from the existing home into the forested surrounds.

A green roof integrates the addition within the landscape and helps to balance the thermal performance of the home, keeping the kitchen cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A large oculus punctuates the roof, bringing daylight into the space.