A house in the old garden

The overarching theme of the house is the search for a calm and timeless form. The shapes and materials in question have been in common use for such a long that they do not refer to a specific building period. The provenance and location of these items remain uncertain, and even do not prompt such questions. The intention is to convey their straightforward and unambiguous meaning; to be understood as they are, without a need for interpretation or surprise in a new reworking. The construction works openly with an intimate classical form, while at the same time being a little reflection on the possibilities of expression within the constraints of such a form.

The compact mass of the obvious form is not disrupted by dormers or skylights. The house is set on the edge of a gentle slope, descending from the street frontage. It conceals the original garden below, above which the living spaces open. The terrace can be accessed from the kitchen, living room and children's room at the same time. During construction, the original trees in the garden were protected, including the cherry tree near the windows. The family happily moved into the house before the pandemic change in work habits, and the builder rarely leaves his study since.