Two Ingenious Courtyard Houses in London, England by FORMstudio

Article source: FORMstudio 

FORMstudio’s latest completed project is a response to the Mayor of London’s Policy to optimise the re-use of small sites across London.

Malcolm Crayton, Director at FORMstudio comments: “The GLA’s draft New London Plan calls for an increased focus on small sites, which need to play a much greater role in housing delivery. Boroughs are encouraged to pro-actively support well-designed new homes on small sites through both planning decisions and plan-making in order to significantly increase the way in which challenging small sites can meet London’s housing needs – Benbow Yard is a perfect response to this policy.”

The distinctive barrel-vaulted roof of the houses, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

• Architects: FORMstudio
• Project: Two Ingenious Courtyard Houses
• Location: London, England
• Photography: Bruce Hemming, Mike Neale

The entrance courtyard to the two houses at dusk, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

FORMstudio’s newly completed courtyard houses in the London Borough of Southwark are located on a tight, irregular brownfield plot, previously occupied by a metal workshop. The challenging site had narrow access, outlook and daylight issues, and these constraints have directly determined the form and fenestration of the pair of new-build, 2-storey, 3-bedroom family houses.

The houses, with their barrel-vaulted profile, are semi-submerged in order to mitigate visual impact.

A gas stove animates the main living area and makes it a cosy space in winter, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

Courtyard gardens and lightwells allow light to penetrate deep into the plan, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

On the East side, where the boundary is closest to the existing terrace of houses, the first floor is also set back, creating an extensive sedum roof, which provides additional light and an attractive outlook between the two structures. Windows are orientated to the south to take advantage of unrestricted views, maximising natural light and avoiding overlooking, with living spaces at the lowered level opening onto private courtyards.

Dining area and courtyard, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

Each house has an open-plan ground floor living, dining, kitchen space, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

The ground floors are clad in a contemporary pale brick with the upper barrel-vaulted storeys finished in zinc standing-seam cladding: materials which reference the industrial heritage of the site but are articulated with a refined level of detailing to create a sense of substance and quality.

Careful orientation results in interior spaces that are flooded with natural light, despite the tight site constraints and – characteristic of FORMstudio’s portfolio – there is a subtle emphasis on spatial flow both internally and externally: the houses benefit from imaginative landscaping which provides unexpected and generous views.

Bi-fold doors open up the living area to the on-level courtyard, breaking down the boundary between inside and outside space, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

Living area and kitchen, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

The entranceway leading to the two houses, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

The ground floor living area opens out to a secluded courtyard, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

External view of entrance showing pedestrian entry gate and vehicle gates, Image Courtesy © Mike Neale and FORMstudio

A narrow slot rooflight brings light down through the stairwell to the living area below, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

A white acrylic and timber island block delineates the kitchen area, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

Master bedroom, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

Family bathroom, Image Courtesy © Bruce Hemming

Image Courtesy © FORMstudio

Image Courtesy © FORMstudio

Tags: England, London

Categories: Courtyard, House, Residential

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