Hidden Home
London, 2023
Tucked into a quiet corner of one of London’s lesser-known conservation areas, this compact new-build replaces a derelict storage structure with a finely tuned, two-storey home that respects its verdant surroundings while unlocking the full potential of a constrained backland site.
Conceived for a sliver of land bordered by neighbouring properties on three sides and facing the street on the fourth, the house employs intelligent massing, material warmth, and passive design strategies to create a bright, generous interior. The home presents as a single-storey structure from the street, sitting quietly behind a finely slatted oak fence. Its second level is recessed below ground—a design choice that preserves the area’s green character while providing comfortable living space and generous ceiling heights.
At basement level, the bedroom opens onto a lightwell split by full-height glazing, bringing morning light deep into the plan while offering a feeling of outdoor connection. The adjacent bathroom is cleverly zoned: the shower can be separated from the WC and utility area for greater flexibility, and access is provided from both the bedroom and stair hall, allowing it to function as either ensuite or shared space.
Upstairs, the open-plan kitchen and living area are filled with natural light from skylights and a fully glazed, south-facing front. The joinery is finely detailed and deeply considered: tall cupboard doors conceal appliances, and integrated storage makes use of every corner—including deep drawers tucked beneath the staircase.
A green roof restores biodiversity at street level and helps the building dissolve into its garden-like setting. Although surrounded on three sides, the house feels anything but enclosed: every glazed surface is openable, allowing the home to expand into the lightwell and front courtyard during warmer months.
This project offers a potential model for small-scale infill development—demonstrating that sustainable, high-quality homes can be built on overlooked urban plots without compromising on space, privacy, or delight.
