Named Shadow House for the way its form plays with light and shade, this property was created from a small derelict garage plot by husband and wife team David Liddicoat and Sophie Goldhill, of Liddicoat & Goldhill architecture practice, as their own home. Completed just a few months ago, it is astounding not just for its aesthetics but for being a financial feat, coming in at a mere £210,00 for its 77sq m.
Building it inside out in slim-format Dutch engineering brick, a robust material with a delicate black glaze, the architects met the tight budget by using only simple primary materials, led by practical demands. The floors are beautifully polished white concrete, while the only luxury the couple allowed themselves was two slabs of Statuarietto marble used in details throughout the house to contrast the dark brick.
The house includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate living and dining area - all generously lit by big openings. The small room sizes were dealt with by cleverly adapting the ceiling heights from room to room, which allowed breathing space and better sound quality. Additional storage spaces were built within walls, to avoid clutter.
Just building the house was not enough for Liddicoat & Goldhill. They also designed all their fittings and furnishings, from the minimalist Zero larch bed frame to the kitchen cabinetry in elm, stainless steel, marble, and the spray lacquered doors.
Young the practice may be but it has been going from strength to strength since its creation. Featured in the Wallpaper* Architects Directory in 2009, their portfolio is steadily growing and Shadow House is currently garnering them impressive acclaim. Not only has it been included in the recently announced RIBA Awards, it also features on the long list for the coveted Manser Medal, to be announced later in the year.
Completed just a few months ago, it is astounding not just for its aesthetics but for being a financial feat, coming in at a mere £210,00 for its 77sq m
Building it inside out in slim-format Dutch engineering brick, a robust material with a delicate black glaze, the architects met the tight budget by using only simple primary materials, led by practical demands
The house has not only been included in the recently announced RIBA Awards, but also features on the long list for the coveted Manser Medal, to be announced later in the year
The floors are beautifully polished white concrete, while the only luxury the couple allowed themselves was two slabs of Statuarietto marble used in details throughout the house to contrast the dark brick
The house includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate living and dining area
All spaces of the house are generously lit by large openings
The small room sizes were dealt with by cleverly adapting the ceiling heights from room to room, which allowed breathing space and better sound quality
Just building the house was not enough for Liddicoat & Goldhill. They also designed all their fittings and furnishings, from the kitchen cabinetry in elm, stainless steel and marble...
... to the minimalist Zero larch bed frame
The bricks and woodwork add a collage of decorative patterns and texture to the interior
Larch wood features throughout the house
Each space of the property has its own distinct character, thanks to the use of textured and reflective surfaces
More textured surfaces in the bathroom
One of the many skylights that illuminate the house
ADDRESS
38a St Paul’s Crescent
London NW1 9TN
-
Piaget’s new Sixtie watches recall a glamorous history at Watches and Wonders 2025Piaget draws on historical codes with the trapeze-shaped Sixtie watch collection, revealed at Watches and Wonders 2025
-
A contemporary Swiss chalet combines tradition and modernity, all with a breathtaking viewA modern take on the classic chalet in Switzerland, designed by Montalba Architects, mixes local craft with classic midcentury pieces in a refined design inside and out
-
Cartier dials up the glamour at Watches and Wonders 2025Cartier revamps much-loved watch collections, from Privé and Panthère to Tank and Tressage, upping the sparkle at the watch fair in Geneva
