A new-build Surrey home, in Claygate, takes its cues from its surrounding Arts & Crafts built environment, in the latest project by Alexander Martin Architects. The house design replaces a smaller, 1920s structure sitting in a generous site, and offers an abstracted reinterpretation of the Arts & Crafts aesthetic. The result is a warm, contemporary home that bridges a historical approach and minimalist architecture styles of the 21st century.
Doing something different was a condition right from the start in this commission – as was a commitment to create a functional home fit for daily family life. ‘Our client was clear from the outset that they didn’t want a run-of-the-mill house and that they were prepared to do something bold in the suburbs,’ says the London architecture studio’s founder, Alexander Martin. ‘However, the design and materials have all been carefully orchestrated to create a series of spaces that best serve the needs of the family while still maintaining an elegant appearance.'
The materials chosen for the architectural composition fit the clean, pared-down aesthetic the design team was aiming for. But they are also simple, robust materials that feel hard-wearing and not too precious. Concrete floors, a blackened steel staircase, and black veneered joinery make for a minimalist, monochrome palette.
Meanwhile, the use of quick-to-install, prefabricated and practical, structurally insulated CLT panels ensured minimum time was spend on construction on site. This resulted in minimum waste and disruption for neighbours during the building works. An air-source heat pump helps with sustainable heating.
In a relatively typical layout arrangement, the ground level contains an array of generous living spaces, while bedrooms and bathrooms are located upstairs. Everything is wrapped in a pale buff brick shell arranged in two pitched volumes joined by a smaller, flat roof section. While the outline nods to the surrounding houses’ shapes, the colour and detailing clearly mark the property out as a 21st century construction – one that is at home in its residential setting, while also thriving in its confident, contemporary attitude.
INFORMATION
-
Are Derwent London's new lounges the future of workspace?Property developer Derwent London’s new lounges – created for tenants of its offices – work harder to promote community and connection for their users
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in OxfordThe Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodellingNorth Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its gardenArchitects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional spaceA multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st CenturyThanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
-
Manchester United and Foster + Partners to build a new stadium: ‘Arguably the largest public space in the world’The football club will spend £2 billion on the ambitious project, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described as the ‘world's greatest football stadium’
-
'Bold and unapologetic', this contemporary Wimbledon home replaces a 1970s house on siteThis grey-brick Wimbledon home by McLaren Excell is a pairing of brick and concrete, designed to be mysterious
