Watermark, Willoughby Road, Twickenham
The design brief for Watermark, a three- bedroom house of 377 sq.metres (4,058 sq.ft.), was that it should provide a variety of spaces for study, relaxation, entertainment coupled with the usual domestic requirements. It also had to exploit the potential for river views yet ensure privacy. Built of London stock brick and western red cedar, the house is set back from the road to provide an entrance drive and two off-street parking spaces and is arranged as three sequential modular pavilions whose height varies according to their position and function. The curvilinear roof creates a series of canopies that continue the theme initiated by the asymmetrically curved roof of the garage. An elevated entrance opens into the entrance lobby and continues on the other side of the lobby as an external timber deck, permitting an uninterrupted view of the river from the front entrance. The internal planning of the house is ordered around a curving wall which incorporates stairs, storage and display cases and also provides a series of vantage points throughout the house to enjoy the framed view of the river. The large expanse of glass maximises the available sunshine, which is moderated where necessary by motorised external timber blinds. The crispness and clarity of the design earned a commendation from the judges of The RIBA Manser Medal .
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