Totteridge Sustainable House

Totteridge is a picturesque village in north London, designated as a natural conservation area and home to the Darlands Lake Nature Reserve. Our client approached us to design and build an environmentally-friendly family home that showcased high quality workmanship and contemporary design that complements the character of the area.

The previous dwelling on the site, which suffered from subsidence, poor environmental performance and structural issues, has been replaced with a spacious and contemporary detached family home. Careful consideration of design, architectural elements and surroundings mean its striking exterior nonetheless sits modestly, calmly and comfortably in its immediate area - complementing its neighbours and abiding by local planning ordinances, while also adding something new to the neighbourhood as a whole.

At the time of the build, to achieve recognition as a ‘sustainable’ property, a project like this had to achieve at least Level 3 on a five-point scale through the installation of renewable energy technologies and the use of sustainably-sourced materials. Our technical and technological know-how, and the use of specialist UK-based tradespeople, meant that the building actually achieved Level 4 accreditation when it was handed over – without us ever compromising on our commitment to quality and visual appeal. The building is entirely self-sufficient for heating, hot water and electricity, is insulated with the latest European thermal materials, and is triple glazed throughout.

That balance of sustainability, compliance with local building ordinances, comfort and practicality is carried through to the inside of the building. A high-end, contemporary and spacious interior is filled with natural materials, light and energy, and a design that is characterised by precision, understatement and timeless quality.

Extensive use of floor-to-ceiling glass panels in all garden-facing rooms flood every space with light, and connect the interior to the outside. The lower ground floor opens directly on to the garden, and is designed for modern entertaining in the grand style, and there are rooms to the rear for a private gym, media room or additional accommodation. A stunning private sauna features bespoke cedar cladding, and the flooring throughout the building is British oak. All of the day-to-day family living spaces are on the ground floor, which features a spacious terrace overlooking the rear garden, and a modern kitchen. The first and second floors accommodate six en-suite bedrooms.