This magnificent family home was built on a sloping plot in leafy, suburban Sydenham. Meticulously designed by the owner, this property  blends Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetics, built around three guiding principles: functionality, energy efficiency, and a strong connection to nature. Flexible living spaces adapt to a family’s changing needs, while Passive House elements, renewable energy, and smart tech reduce energy use and enhance comfort.

The home’s layout features two distinct volumes. Facing the street, a minimalistic white brick box crafted from Danish Randers Tegl Ultima bricks complements the neighborhood. An oversized iroko wood front door warmly contrasts the white brick. Inside, the view opens up to the rear garden, offering a welcoming connection to the outdoors.

At the back, a black timber volume clad in charred larch “floats” over the main living area, supported by steel columns and accented by oak finishes. Thoughtful design touches like a green sedum roof and a gently sloped ceiling enhance the sense of spaciousness while minimizing impact on neighboring properties.

Designed in harmony with its garden, this home offers a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. A central courtyard brings natural light and fresh air deep into the home, while large oak-framed sliding doors open up to a terraced garden with views of surrounding trees, creating a tranquil, countryside feel.

The interior is minimalist yet warm, with subtle tones and natural materials balanced by vibrant accents. A coral-red wall connects the main living areas and cleverly integrates storage. The in-situ cast concrete staircase with oak treads adds a striking, industrial touch that’s softened by wood finishes.

Custom joinery elements maximize storage while maintaining a clean, open layout. Full-height doors blend into walls, creating uninterrupted sightlines, while oversized sliding doors provide flexibility, transforming spaces from open plan to private as needed.

Energy efficiency was a priority here. With exceptional insulation, triple glazing, and an airtight build, heat loss is minimized. A Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) system circulates fresh, pre-warmed air throughout, while underfloor heating and an Air Source Heat Pump provide eco-friendly warmth. A 5kW photovoltaic array and 10kW battery store renewable energy for later use.

A Teletask home automation system offers seamless control of lighting, audio, heating, and more, easily managed through touch panels and a mobile app. Low-energy lighting, including programmable LED systems, lets you set the perfect mood throughout the home and garden.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese gardens, the front and rear gardens are low-maintenance and peaceful. A mix of gravel, stepping stones, and lush greenery leads visitors through the landscape, while Corten steel planters, a water feature, and a herringbone brick wall add subtle elegance and connect the garden’s elements with the home.

We’re incredibly proud  to have worked on this innovative, forward-thinking project, with such a strong focus on  sustainability without compromising on the design.

Collaborating with clients with such a passion for eco-friendly living was a true pleasure, and their vision made the project both rewarding and inspiring for our team.

This is exactly the kind of work we’re excited to bring to life!