In Between Small and Large

This dwelling is part of a small newbuild terrace situated between two rows of Victorian terraces which is reflected in its siting and structural rhythm. The project as an entity is a collaboration of three architects and is called ‘In-Between’, with a communally agreed set of external details, principles and technology that allows ready personalisation within. This modest and ingenious development in a discreet corner of London is said to bring a smile to the faces of all who see it.

The Parallam framing allows the south wall of the terrace to be fully glazed. Insulation is variously recycled newspaper and sheep's wool. The roof is sedum. The result is essentially symmetrical but as with Georgian terraces especially, a uniform façade can conceal variety behind. Having jointly designed the envelope, individual briefs as well as individual architectural preferences came into play.

2 Whatcott’s Yard aspired to create a large variety of spatial qualities within a small house of approx. 50 sqm footprint. The spaces are light flooded and open and carefully designed around domestic activities. Greatly varying floor to ceiling heights together with subtle material textures give each space their distinct character. Spaces aim to be surprising and generous in a timber frame house that in its entity feels like a large piece of furniture.

This home is also a testing ground and Ullmayer Sylvester have developed a set of blue-print ideas for housing as we would like to design it. It experiments with living functions, room dimensions both in terms of width and height and a flexibility of spaces that does not necessarily rely of moving walls: cooking for example happens on an internal balcony that borrows the view of backgardens and vertical spaces provide a sense of tranquillity and calmness in a busy city and life.

As well as being the architects we have project managed and co-ordinated the trades (and gained some useful carpentry and electrical skills along the way).

…‘It is a reminder of the value of direct architectural design – in contrast to the work of some architects who try too hard to be too clever with quotes, gambits and tricks. (AJ First Building Award, Judges Summary)

In-Between is published world-wide and has won a great number of national and international awards.