News and views

Scaffolding Down

Tue, 16 May 2017 16:30:00 GMT

Scaffolding down on our project in Barnet. Traditional with a frameless contemporary twist. Bigger than it looks - the construction site doorway is normal size. Cotswold stone, render, frameless glass. Blue is protective film. 12,500 sqft. The client briefed us with an image of a traditional house with 2 gables. So we gave it a contemporary feel with minimalist detailing of elevation elements and interiors. There's a porch with fretted panels still to go on, and weathered bronze to the bay soffits and mid-level beam.

Roof top planting

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:02:00 GMT

Roof top planting has begun on our Camlet Way 2 project. The roof garden is at the ground floor level of the Camlet Way 1 project, helping to create space and avoid that sense of overcrowding that blights some back garden developments.

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Photovoltaic Installation

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:01:00 GMT

A project nearing completion. Photovoltaics integrated successfully with the design rather than an unattractive afterthought. They will supply all the hot water and soon be connected to storage batteries being developed by Tesla among others.

The timber cladding is “Kebony”, the sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood and other modified woods. Developed in Norway, the Kebony technology is an environmentally friendly, patented process which enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid. The process permanently modifies the wood cell walls giving Kebony the characteristics of premium hardwood. Dark brown when first fixed, it rapidly fades to a silvery grey which needs no further maintenance treatment.

The project is to a very tight budget, so the 11m long sliding door and other windows were procured directly from one of our contacts in Lithuania. An extremely high quality product at a very competitive price. Insolum Projects, the builder, will also be using their Lithuanian sourced engineered oak flooring, very economical but of such quality that they recently completed a floor of Harrods with it.

Testimonial
Have to say the photovoltaic panel array is the best that I have seen, great design!
Paul Hunter, Director, Railton Build Limited
Renewable Energy Division

Testimonial
"I'm just sitting in the new kitchen by myself. I have done this a couple of times in the day when no builders are around. It is just a peaceful nice space. When the inside and outside lights and furniture go in, it will be even more amazing. Thank you for the effort you have put into it. It is really appreciated."
Client, Kings Lea

Above: Kebony when weathered

Devil's in the detail

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:55:00 GMT

It is the attention to detail that can make a project sing. Oak timber cladding contrasts strongly with the weathered corten steel. The steel develops a stable and even rust appearance when exposed to the weather for a number of years. This naturally occuring protective layer also eliminates the need for painting.

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Air B&B Flats

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 15:22:00 GMT

This job is about simplicity and the texture of a carefully selected brick and brick detailing. Eight Air B&B Flats in the heart of Camden, nearly complete, just the balcony glass to be fixed in the full view, and nearly all fixed in the detail shots. Textured brick at ground floor to add interest and deter fly-posting.

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Ceramic Printing

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:38:00 GMT

In our latest project in Camden we are utilising the latest printing technology to add an extra dimension. Decorative artwork is to be applied to the window recesses and balcony fronts. The artwork is inspired by the natural colours and movement of grasses and reeds and uses the latest digital printing technique of ceramic powders onto glass to achieve a format that will not fade or deteriorate over time.

Duffy’s Yard

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:54:00 GMT

A simple sketch idea for a friend lead to the purchase of a forgotten shed on a tiny plot in a town centre back yard behind the shops. We proposed demolition and a new Atrium House, with rooms off a central top lit double height atrium space containing stairs, kitchen and 1st floor bridge office. The atrium floods light into the heart of this mostly inwards looking new house. An industrial style in keeping with the other small workshops in the yard.

Cantilever House

Fri, 29 May 2015 13:52:00 GMT

Details

Cantilever House
Status: Under construction 2015
1164sqm, 12,530sqft, gross external area
Ground floor: Entrance hall; family sitting room / kitchen / dining; formal dining; lounge; library; study; prep-kitchen / utility
First floor: Master bedroom / en-suite / dressing; 4 further bedrooms and bathrooms
Basement: 16m swimming pool; jacuzzi; spa; leisure area; cinema; gym; wine store; staff accommodation
Twin car lift to give secure underground parking
Sunken courtyard and terraced landscaped garden

Slopers Pond Garden Mock-up

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 07:13:00 GMT

An integral part of our design process is consideration of the landscape and the way our buildings relate to it. This mock-up for our cantilever house illustrates how the roof planting will help to subsume it into its garden, and how the garden should look.

Kitchen arrives

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:25:00 GMT

The Italian Valcucine kitchen is installed. All glass including the worktop. The tall doors tuck into the sides of the appliances, with a much better detail than Poggenpohl or Bulthaup. The island is a massive 4.8m x 1.3m (approx 16ft x 4ft). The sliding glass wall makes the most of the view and “living in the landscape” becomes reality for this family room.

Stone Walled

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:28:00 GMT

Another picture of the Cotswold Stone because we just love it! Laid without visible mortar like dry stone walling. The masons have achieved the “wave” effect we wanted. If its hand-cut and laid, make sure it’s nothing like a machine can do!

Dug out

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:56:00 GMT

The dig is complete at our project in Camlet Way. 350 truck loads of sticky solid clay! The house roof will be at the same level as the higher ground, the garden and all principal room windows at the lower level of the fields beyond.

Digging Deep

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 08:52:00 GMT

Excavation is underway for the basement pool, spa and entertainment complex of our 2nd house in Camlet Way, Hadley Wood. 300 big truck loads so far. The lower swimming pool base level is still to be excavated. The concrete piles will hold the ground back until the new basements own concrete walls are built. The crane will remain until the roof is complete.

preliminary views

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 14:35:00 GMT

These are preliminary views of a new project in Enfield.