project inspiration
CONTEXTUAL DESIGN IDEAS
Many buildings are influenced by their context, but some go beyond suiting their setting to actively celebrate it. Homes designed with contextualism in mind are shaped to connect and respond to the surrounding landscape and local architecture. Here, Jennifer Grimble explores new houses that successfully use this approach
Coastal cliffhanger
ANTHONY GREENWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Perched atop a cliff, this coastal home by KAST Architects utilises its challenging plot to capture unobstructed sea views, without impacting the environment. The house replaced a tired old dwelling, but its original footprint, mass and scale were retained. Constructed from insulated timber frame, with steelwork used to create cantilevers, the home has a low profile and a sedum roof that maintains the outlook for properties further inland. Render and cedar were chosen to reflect the hues of the neighbouring buildings (www.kastarchitects.com)
SIPs stunner
This impressive SIPs home is situated inside South Downs National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Reserve and an area of outstanding natural beauty. The ecologicallysound home was designed to complement the character of the local area. Folkes Architects chose to set the home back from the road, with the living space facing the rear garden. The facade mimics the style of neighbouring frontages, and natural light has been maximised whilst limiting light pollution, thanks to intelligent solutions and high-quality blinds (www.folkesarchitects.co.uk)
Modern city home
KILIAN O’SULLIVAN
Sandwiched between brick terraced houses in the London neighbourhood of Islington, this new build effortlessly fits in. Surrounded by brick walls and overlooked on all sides, the challenge for the team at Paul Archer Design was to create a home that was private and light-filled, whilst also respectful of neighbouring residences. Constructed from concrete and timber frame, wrapped in Funton Old Chelsea Yellow bricks, the exterior has a solid visual connection to the other properties on the street (www.paularcherdesign.co.uk)