The construction of the house is
clean and legible. The structural
frame, including columns and
ceilings, is in exposed concrete,
with a rough board-marked finish.
The floors are polished concrete,
and can be heated and cooled. The
glazing of aluminium and stainless
steel framed windows and doors,
some of which slide or guillotine
electronically, is contained within a
strongly dominant grid of T-section
steel, now protected from the
elements but still bearing the rust
marks acquired during construction.
To reduce heat loss and solar gain,
in line with building regulations, we
chose glass of a high specification.
We opted for a structure in concrete
- that is, with significant thermal
mass - for the same reason.
The house is a quiet machine, with
heating, cooling, lighting and alarm
systems; mechanical ventilation;
motorised windows and blinds;
and solar panels to offset CO2
emissions.
However, thanks to careful pre-
construction design work, the
electrics, tightly organised in
stainless steel boxes set into the
columns, are exceptionally discreet.
Contemporary houses such as this
are sadly rare in Kensington; and
even more rarely visible from the
street.
www.sophiehicks.com
Images : www.annabelelston.co.uk
www.refurbandrestore.co.uk - 37