Zuber Architecture enjoys creating contemporary architecture of all scales with a strong emphasis on exploiting the warmth and durability of natural materials. They designed a contemporary architecture of a house in London, Kingsley Place Property, a new family home built within a conservation area of an award winning 60’s development in North London.
13 Kingsley Place is one of three bungalows located at the centre of the development and it’s built on a elevated sloping site with good views across London. The architecture of a house had only two bedrooms, a single bathroom and a back yard which was difficult to acces and too steep to use, so although their clients, a family of four, enjoyed the 60’s attributes of the bungalow, they were insufficient for their family needs. The new project retains attributes of the existing 60’s design and responds to the flexibility required of modern family living. In 2008, the architecture firm was first commissioned to undertake the works who made explored and tested several schemes before progressing to the final one.
Demolition works began in November 2010 with practical completion achieved in November 2011. Because the majority of accomodation were provided on the ground floor, they has created a new lower ground accommodation which include a guest/games room, en-suite and a two-tiered hard-scape/soft-scape entertainment zone. A focal central appealing court yard developed into a column free glazed enclosure has a great aesthetic and durability provided by natural materials have been used: Interior – Brazilian Slate and Panga-Panga flooring with a durable coating to resist fading from direct sunlight.
The contemporary rear elevation has been design to flow into the garden space by creating a seamless cladding line that runs across the roof parapet, folds across and down the external seating booth and drops down to the lower ground via the staircase. Vertical Sapele hardwood cladding has been used on it. The practical back yard can be enjoyed with improved access from the house. The house displays an inspiring interior defined by a limited palette of natural materials (Interior – Brazilian Slate, concrete, black American walnut) and tonal colors which achieve durable spaces that feel calved out of the whole.
Photos: © Mel Yates.
Project details:
Place:13 Kingsley Place, Highgate, London, N6 5EA
Design: Zuber Architecture
Build Period: 12 months (2010-2011)
Budget: 500k
Actual Cost: 550k (excl. ext. works)