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The solid masonry core of the original building remains intact [freeze carbon footprint] and is extended by a multifaceted zinc and glass envelope, with a new solar roof, and side & back extensions materialize. The objective was to establish a prototype for future urban living that is sustainable and highly densified. The new roof volume features apertures, terraces, and unexpected views, such as a pyramidal skylight in the kitchen and a glass slot in the living room overlooking a linear skylight below, exposing what used to be a narrow rear yard. An outdoor terrace at the roof level provides views of surrounding roofscapes and Regent’s Park.
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The London Solar House transforms a century-old townhouse into an extended home. The project leverages the building’s distinct character and challenges—its compactness, numerous attachments to neighboring structures, and connection to the surrounding vegetation. Its folded geometry, a simple negotiation between the 2 neighbors' setbacks features a large bay window, and creates a more continuous streetscape. These ensured continuity while harmoniously connecting to the townhouse's original architecture.
The high-density design and preservation and renovation of the existing structure are key demonstrations of this project’s sustainability. Wood beams from the former roof are upcycled into window sills and bookcases. The roof is equipped with fully integrated PV panels, providing baseline electricity for heat pumps, hot water systems, lighting, and a dedicated 13kW Tesla battery for electric car charging. New windows, solar energy, and radiant floor heating reduce the home’s carbon footprint. Its distinctive, highly efficient, and visually pleasing architectural form nurtures an emotional connection with inhabitants and ensures long-term care and value.
The heart of the townhouse features a custom-built steel winding stair connecting the entrance, double-height living space, and the mezzanine of the open dining-kitchen area. The organic and sculptural geometry of the solid steel helix is parametrically designed to intertwine the common spaces and negotiates the folded ceiling surfaces above. Emphasizing the sculptural corporeality of the interior high-contrast black elements, charred wood wall panels, textured stone surfaces, and brass mosaics, are all highlighted by recessed soft glowing light that establish a refined yet casual atmosphere. In the living space, a fully glazed bay window opens up to a unique perspective on neighboring green and the streetscape beyond. Above in the new roof extension a new outdoor terrace cut out of the zinc roof and extends the kitchen and dining area outdoors, providing views of Regents Park. By prioritizing compactness, the London Solar House sets the stage for future urban living. Its formal language intentionally departs from the typical rationalist style, aiming instead to create maximum complexity, connectedness and spatial richness.
Client: Love living in the London sculpture. It is amazing and very very beautiful!!! We aimed for the interconnected spaces to engage our clients in an intricate interplay of movement, perspectival shifts, and materialities, to create maximum complexity and richness.
Founded in 1994 by Winka Dubbeldam, Archi-Tectonics is a WBE-certified design studio with offices in New York City, Amsterdam, and Hangzhou.
Archi-Tectonics’ innovative multidisciplinary work combines advanced digital design processes, rigorous research, and new fabrication methods across scales to create smart buildings and healthier forms of urban living. We create concept-driven environments, buildings, and urban systems that foster more equitable, and sustainable ways of life.
We value performance over form and design intelligence over style. Our approach is based on extensive testing and prototyping, resulting in purpose driven designs that have a unique character and identity. Through innovative design, prefabrication, and optimized implementation, we deliver efficient, sustainable, and imaginative solutions for 21st-century challenges.
https://www.archi-tectonics.co...
