Description of the Project

This proposal is for a new 68 sq m (730 Sq ft) two-storey porter’s lodge for an existing residential development in Holland Park, on a site adjacent to the Commonwealth Institute. The new building replaces the existing porter’s lodge, which is going to be demolished and a new house erected in its place. The overall site comprises two large T-shaped blocks of apartments, set in a landscape of mature trees. Most of the major trees appear to pre-date the construction of the new apartment blocks in the 1960’s, and it is likely that the layout of the site at that time was greatly influenced by the disposition of the mature trees.

The new building is in the south-east corner of the site. The design takes its character from its garden setting and to the proximity to several mature trees. The form of the building is a timber cylinder, extruded on the east and west sides, to create a spatial direction to the internal spaces.

The living areas are on the ground floor, including a kitchen and a small dining area. An open staircase leads up to the bedroom, with en-suite shower room. This space is primarily lit by a square form lantern light that has been rotated in plan from the main axis of the building. The lantern lights will be fully openable, allowing stack ventilation to cool the house. The circular roof above the lantern light is covered with Sedum grass.

Within the primary cylindrical form, several intercessions in the external envelope express the interior: an oblong window, orientated due south, and suspended within the staircase area, creating an almost separate sense of space within the descent of the staircase; a curved shower cantilevered off the first floor, incorporating a window for views out from the shower; a large window at ground floor to light the main sitting area, with the window itself protected with timber bris soleil to screen views in; and at the east and west ends there are openable windows full height, with protection from falling or ingress externally via vertical hardwood timber slats spaced at 120mm centres.

The primary material inside and out is timber, sustainably sourced. It is anticipated that, with a highly insulated external skin and the installation of ground source heat pumps, the building will achieve a grade A EPC certificate.

The overall intention with this project is to create a sense of a return to origins in a simple form of house – suggesting, perhaps, an enclosed clearing in a forest, or of a dwelling carved entirely out of a ‘found’ large tree stump.