Arts & Crafts Inspired Striking New Build Home

Getting Started on the Arts & Crafts Style Self Build

“One of the biggest challenges of the project was rationalising the significant change in level from the street to the rear garden,” says architect Robert Hirschfield. “A key design decision made early on was to partially excavate the front section of the site so that the entrance point was lowered.

This alleviated access problems created by the existing steep driveway, allowing the building to respond to the topography of the site without increasing the height of the roofline.” As a result, on top of the traditional concrete strip foundations, a reinforced concrete wall formed a major part of the substructure, separating the upper and lower ground floors.

The statement glazed atrium features double doors that lead out onto a balcony with seamless glass balustrade, helping the contemporary dwelling connect with the garden and outdoors

A huge red metal frame was craned into position, with a complex array of metal and timber beams supporting the geometric angles of the triple-peaked new building – causing a few raised eyebrows from neighbours prior to it being clad in brick and block. “I was worried early on that it might look like a church,” says Anzia.

The design of the roof was inspired by local Arts & Crafts buildings, where this treatment forms a prominent part of the architecture. Flat and pitched roofs, valleys, abutments, eaves and ridges all work together to form the whole, with complex geometry achieved using the steel frame to carry the main loads.

This was then finished as a traditional timber and tiled roof, with careful attention applied to the detailing of the gable eaves and brickwork, in order to ensure a crisp minimal look. Sloping beams were employed to carry the floating gable ends, with pre-welded ’steps’ set onto the beams to support the brickwork above.

The sloping nature of the site facilitated the decision to split the home into half storeys, connected by a helical staircase and a series of bridge links. “The staircase was probably the only thing that Paul and I disagreed on, because he wanted frameless glass balustrades, but I was inspired by Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona and preferred a smooth, sculptural finish which would make a real statement.”

Creating a Showstopping Welcome

At the centre of the plan is a striking triple-height entrance hall, with a 6m-tall angular window that sits within a splayed opening, providing a theatrical connection between the inside and out.

A hefty pivoting door has been installed within the recessed entrance porch, which is wrapped in the same dark linear brick as the front elevation and allows for a classic ‘compression and release’ effect as visitors pass through into the hallway and experience the triple height void for the first time. The large central core also encourages vertical circulation throughout the building, linking the front and back levels at various half landings.

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The immense pivoting metal entrance door is a particularly striking feature, which Anzia fell in love with, and the colourful chandelier hanging above the staircase makes a striking design statement

Bridges offer dynamic views through the house and help to achieve an outstanding level of spatial variety, with the newly completed property providing the family with an arrangement suited to open-plan living, while still offering key spaces that can be closed off.

Designing the New Home’s Interior Details

The interior palette employs a combination of whites, greys, and softer tones, with textures chosen in contrast to the external roughness of dark brick against white render. Recommended by the couple’s architect, Studio Suss was appointed to work with Anzia and Paul on the interior design – creating contemporary, functional and sustainable spaces using natural materials wherever possible, in the true Arts & Crafts spirit. To further this, 166 trees were protected and planted to offset 4.8 tonnes of carbon.

The spacious bedroom features a wow factor headboard that fills the dramatic high ceilings

When it came to the interiors, Anzia had ideas regarding colours, and sourced several items herself, including the kitchen and bathroom handles. “I used Pinterest and kept sending pictures to the interior designer of things I liked,” she says.

“There were a few issues sourcing furniture at the end because of the pandemic, but we decided to only buy the basics so that we could live in the house for a year before making too many decisions. I’d recommend that to anyone – get a feel for the spaces and the light before doing too much.”

Specialist subcontractors were recommended by the architects, who project managed the entire process. London Lightworks was responsible for the lighting design, with Thinking Bricks taking charge of the integrated multi-room AV system. Underfloor heating can be managed from phone apps, ensuring that room temperatures suit individual occupants. “We specifically said we didn’t want things to be complicated – it needed to be easy to operate,” says Anzia.

“Everyone worked through Covid, and we were lucky to have such an incredible team – we can’t thank them enough because the whole project was enjoyable from start to finish. We couldn’t wait to move in, and we still pinch ourselves that we live in such a beautiful house and can walk in the woods every morning.”

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