Located on an urban infill site close to the River Quaggy in south-east London, the house was built by one of 31/44’s directors – his second self-build within the same street. The form and arrangement of the house is derived from a response to the immediate context and site conditions.

At street level the house has a set back entrance door, planting, steps and gates to the two front courtyards to echo the ad-hoc assembly of fences, walls and mews and garage buildings that line this side of the street, the first floor in contrast is formed of a flush brickwork panel and window sitting upon a concrete lintel that holds all these element together. This gives the house a significant visual mass, a sense of permanence more in-keeping with the Victorian terrace that faces the house on the other side of the street.

The plan is orientated around three courtyards and large openings allow glimpses of greenery to filter through the whole ground floor, as well as flooding the interior with natural light. The southern section of the plan, containing the main living spaces, sits between the two principal courtyards.

Internally, a series of birch-faced joinery cabinets divide space, create framed views and form containers for the client’s possessions.

The first floor is accessed via a curved timber staircase with a large picture window. These timber elements define the interior of the house.

To the rear, the client’s studio catches the southern light. The guest suite is also located to the rear with a view into the third, quiet, external courtyard space.