SITE
The site is set within the Dulwich Estate, a large, established residential area in South East London characterised by extensive mature planting and landscaping. Recognised for the quality of its post-war residential architecture, the Dulwich Estate’s unique atmosphere stems from the harmonious relationship between its houses and the surrounding verdant landscape. The steeply sloping site is surrounded by large, mature trees, which play a critical role in defining the project.
CLIENT
This scheme involves the development of six new townhouses for the developer Lightbox. The project is inspired by Edward Milner, a Victorian landscape gardener who lived on this site in the mid-19th century. With an existing consent in place, Syte Architects obtained planning permission for a revised design proposal that honours the historical significance of the location.
CONCEPT
The buildings are carefully positioned within the woodland landscape, set back into the slope among the existing trees, reflecting the character of the Dulwich Estate’s architecture. Throughout the houses, a variety of carefully placed openings frame views of the trees, while changes in volume and ceiling height create spatial variety within the interiors. Living spaces in each home are arranged over two floors around double-height areas, allowing natural light to permeate into the heart of the homes and offering varied views through the interiors to the trees beyond. The filtered light through the tree canopies creates a unique atmosphere, while the upper storey provides expansive views across the treetops to the city.
The palette of materials is intentionally simple. Large elements of the superstructure are in reinforced concrete for structural reasons, with a board-marked visual concrete finish specified for one interior wall and a smooth finish for slab soffits. Oak is used for stairs, joinery, and some floors, adding warmth to the spaces. Externally, a brick with inherent surface variation is set against crisp zinc and copper surfaces that will gracefully weather into the site.
At the rear of the site, the base of the slope features a communal garden augmented with new planting, directly accessible to all residents from their private rear gardens. The first new residents began moving in at the start of 2020. As the summer of lockdown progressed, the value of such communal spaces for residential community focus became evident, with residents reporting that this space has been invaluable.
Photographer: Peter Landers
Structural engineer: Michael Barclay Partnership
Landscape Designer: Kate Eyre Garden Design
