The Pines was a one-off speculative house for a developer on the site of a dilapidated detached house and garden in a North London suburb. An evocative central 'route' or 'spine' that descended down through several levels and linked all the main spaces was developed primarily from studies of the section analysing light, shadow and 'event'. Simple, almost archetypal volumes were arranged along the spine including a rectangular dining room with a conical roof and square family room with a pyramidal rooflight. The exterior was treated in a simple manner using familiar materials (brick, clay tile, timber windows) yet with subtle shifts in detail and proportion that creates an almost surreal effect; echoes of arts and crafts influences vie with hints of diverse modern sources such as the Italian rationalists and organic architecture. The result is a quiet, powerful dwelling unique to itself and its place. The building sold to the first viewer and has been entered for several housing design awards. |
