Crouch End, London
The concept was to build the wrap-around structure and envelope as if it were a single carved block of wood (the way the artist/client Simon carves his sculptures of timber and stone). All faces would be the same – with all flashings and pipes concealed.
The approach was to make an ‘L’ that embraces the original house plan and splits the property into two self-contained dwellings with their own entrances: a new entrance leads into the two-storey extension providing all main accommodation on a single accessible level (Simon’s partner Ruth is a wheelchair user) and with stairs connecting into existing first floor studio/workshop rooms from the other side – breaking through the flank wall; the original entrance accesses the existing upper floors which became rentable accommodation to bring in income.
Although the cross-section is dynamic, the extension has a modest impact in the street (which is in a Conservation Area). At the rear, overlooked from the Parkland Walk footpath, the modern wing sits comfortably among the branches like a timber tree house.
Project Architect/Designer: Marco Curtaz
Collaborations: CDS, TBA, Ellis & Moore, ID Systems