The architect has completed a home and studio in Highgate, north London, comprising a series of interlocking orthogonal volumes arranged over four separated levels. Photography by Rory Gardiner
This recently completed home and studio is situated within The Miltons, part of the Highgate Conservation Area in the London Borough of Haringey. The 200m2 site, only accessible via a narrow passageway, was previously the garage and garden of an adjoining house.
Although within an Edwardian context, the planners were keen to see the project reflect its backland location. Setbacks and overlooking were constraints on the design of the interconnected interior and exterior form. The limited access influenced materials selection and construction methods; all had to be of proportions and weights that could be carried or trolleyed by hand into the mews. These challenges were an opportunity to create a special, sustainable home that eschews familiar London domesticity. While its interior layout and construction are a direct response to living requirements and the location, its character derives from the comprehensive use of timber as the primary building material and finish, and the desire to create an escape from the world outside.
The completed 127m2 home, arranged over four slightly separated levels, follows the natural slope of the site. Pragmatic construction methods, finishes and weathering properties imbue the home with a natural warmth and constantly developing character.
Its form, a series of interlocking orthogonal volumes, is the product of the original 5.1m garage width, proximity of adjoining structures and required setbacks. All rooms and spaces are organised around a 20m-long axis, starting at the front door and running through to the rear boundary. An outdoor terrace and walled garden feel as much like rooms as the interior spaces.
The finished home is a refuge. It is relaxed and informal with soft, weathered colouring enriched by light cast upon natural timber surfaces. These qualities are a constant reminder of the lives and character of its occupants. Russell Jones
Completion April 2020 Gross internal area 127m² Construction cost £385,000 Construction cost per m2£3,000 Architect Russell Jones Structural engineer Techniker Quantity surveyor Consultancy 31 Planning consultant Haringey Planning Department Building control Haringey Building Control Groundworks ECS Groundworks Landscape architect Bill Ridings and Anna Janschke Main contractor TAD Builders
The engineered joist, timber stud and OSB-sheathed frame is faced in brickwork only where it is meets a boundary. All remaining exterior cladding is Siberian larch. Fenestration is crafted from Douglas fir.
All interior surfaces are lined with 100mm wide Douglas fir boards, with aligned floor, wall and ceiling joints.
All timber is from sustainable sources, finished with a white oil and is carefully capped with stainless steel to control exterior weathering.
Furniture, including desks, beds, shelves, cupboards and doors, is made from the same Douglas fir boards as the interior lining. In contrast, kitchen work surfaces, bathroom low tables and niches are surfaced with matt white porcelain.
All roofs are covered in lightweight Lipari pumice stone to aid drainage and reflect heat. The front forecourt, paved in reclaimed granite cobblestones, matches the mews carriageway. The garden, in keeping with the home, is informal.
The project combines high levels of insulation, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, LED lighting and induction cooking, and there is provision for a future photovoltaic array. All roof water is gathered into a below terrace storage tank for domestic and garden use. Russell Jones
Cladding and lining Brooks Brothers Timber 12.5 × 100mm Siberian larch boards Interior brookstimber.com
Glulam beams Lilleheden Lilleheden 60 × 560mm standard glulam beams Structure over external terrace lilleheden.co.uk
EPDM poofing Avenir Roofing Rubber roofing system Roof avenirroofing.co.uk
Stainless steel capping AF Hussey 316 grade stainless steel or unlacquered brass continuous plates, folded Structure over external terrace afhussey.co.uk
Underfloor heating Nu-Heat UK Low-temperature hot water underfloor heating system Throughout nu-heat.co.uk
Handrails K&D Joinery 2 × 25mm structural ply Staircase balustrade/wall Kandd.org Furniture Andy Thompson Woodwork Bespoke Throughout andythompsonwoodwork.com
Ironmongery JNF, Itfitz Various Jnf.pt, itfitz.co.uk
Tags colour and finishes Highgate Russell Jones
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