Having swept the board of many housing design awards, Huf Haus teamed up with a leading homebuilder, Wates Homes, to build nine new houses at a sensitive site within the heart of a conservation area in Dulwich Village. Following planning refusals for two previous schemes the enlightened planners expressed a preference for a contemporary approach of high architectural quality and Peter Huf was commissioned to prepare designs for six semi-detached houses and three terraced houses. The total floor area was similar to that of the two earlier rejected schemes but with one major difference: instead of providing accommodation in the roof space each house would provide a full size basement for storage, utilities, services and a games room. The design, which appears so modern, is in fact the most traditional post-and-beam construction, using precision engineered laminated wooden components made in the Huf Haus factory in Germany and assembled on site in two weeks, and fully completed ready for occupation in no less than ten weeks. Non-load bearing wall allow widespread use of glass and lightweight panels to create light and airy interiors. The open-plan interiors and high ceilings with full height glazing unite the houses with their gardens. To quote the Housing Design Awards’ judges: “This is a scheme that gives a welcome breath of fresh air to UK house builders.” Photography: David Leech (01306 627763) |
