Exploring internationally, an architectural marvel in London, modeled after California's architecture, has been applauded as a triumph and awarded for its innovative design. Let's journey through this newly acclaimed residential building.
Ruth Somerfield's Contemporary Dream Home Wins Homebuilding & Renovating Awards
Ruth Somerfield's contemporary dream home in London has been crowned the Home of the Year in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024, and rightfully so. The single-storey detached home, originally built in the 1970s, was transformed into an architectural triumph, standing out among the rest.
After lockdown, Somerfield purchased the property and decided to extend and renovate it. Facing challenges in finding the right builders for the project, she ultimately chose Modernarc for the task. Architect Quinn, who had designed several houses in LA, was brought on board to work with Somerfield. Quinn understood the aesthetic Somerfield wanted to maintain and proposed a design that would turn the house into a sleek, energy-efficient home fit for the 21st century.
The renovation project was located in a conservation area, which raised concerns about the approval of the new plans. However, the original house contained all 1970s materials that were no longer fit for purpose, with poor ventilation, insulation, and heating. The new plans, drawn up by architect Quinn, replaced the original plans that had been granted planning permission.
The ground floor of the renovated home features a combination of a courtyard and floor-to-ceiling glass, adding maximum light to the rooms. The polished concrete floor runs throughout the downstairs, with the exception of the downstairs bathroom, which has terrazzo tiling. To improve the efficiency of the house, underfloor heating was installed, and passive design features were incorporated to enhance ventilation.
The house now boasts an energy-efficient, green extension, with environmentally friendly features such as an electric boiler and water heater, which remove the reliance on gas. Two identical sized bathrooms were added to the ground and first floor of the renovated home, both featuring light tiles and terrazzo flooring.
The architects proposed a fully glazed scheme that raised the roof height, creating a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens. The double-height stairwell creates an impressive entrance to the house, while pocket doors were used to save space. The interior design of the renovated home is a testament to Somerfield's unique aesthetic, with the original interior spaces feeling cramped and dark in places now replaced by open, light-filled spaces.
The renovation of Ruth Somerfield's home is a shining example of how a historic property can be transformed into a contemporary dream home while maintaining its character and integrating environmentally friendly features. It serves as an inspiration for homeowners looking to modernise their properties while staying true to their personal aesthetic.
- Ruth Somerfield decided to extend and renovate her 1970s property after lockdown.
- Somerfield faced challenges in finding the right builders for her project and eventually chose Modernarc.
- Architect Quinn, who had designed houses in LA, worked with Somerfield on the project.
- The new design proposed by Quinn aimed to turn the house into a sleek, energy-efficient home fit for the 21st century.
- The renovation project was located in a conservation area, but the original house had poor ventilation, insulation, and heating.
- The new plans, drawn up by architect Quinn, replaced the original plans that had been granted planning permission.
- The ground floor of the renovated home features a combination of a courtyard and floor-to-ceiling glass, adding maximum light to the rooms.
- To improve the efficiency of the house, underfloor heating was installed, and passive design features were incorporated to enhance ventilation.
- Two identical sized bathrooms were added to the ground and first floor of the renovated home, both featuring light tiles and terrazzo flooring.
- The architects proposed a fully glazed scheme that raised the roof height, creating a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens.
- The double-height stairwell creates an impressive entrance to the house, while pocket doors were used to save space.
- The renovation of Ruth Somerfield's home is a guide for homeowners looking to modernise their properties while staying true to their personal aesthetic and incorporating energy-efficient features.
