Four Walls Seven Gardens
Densification in an established suburb – the house responds to the curving urban corner on an exposed brownfield site, previously a back garden
Four walls sharply define space, creating an interior of rooms and an exterior of gardens.
The house responds to its curving corner location, positioned within an established urban grain; it creates a sense of enclosure within a garden, on an exposed urban site.
At ground level, private rooms look inward to planted courtyards, while living rooms on the first floor enjoy sunlight, ventilation, and views, screened from surrounding buildings, there is also a sea-glimpsing terrace. Our clients, both keen gardeners, have given each of the seven gardens its own distinct character.
Recessed from the street behind a stained timber fence of varying height and porosity, the house avoids presenting a two-storey elevation to the street. Its stepped form addresses the corner, acting as a contextual ‘bookend’ to the neighbouring terraced mews. The composition acknowledges the southeast-northwest grain of the adjacent streetscape.
Natural light and ventilation are provided by large end windows and smaller openings, with shading from blinds, glass manifestation, and vegetation. Predominantly brick and timber, the house relies on locally sourced materials, minimizing embodied carbon.
Flood protection is integrated into the concrete boundary plinth and a SUDS system handles drainage. The house contributes to the densification of this established suburban neighbourhood.
