British Homes Awards 2011 finalist: The New London Terrace

Moxon Architects has applied the simplicity of 18th- and 19th- century terrace design to modern-day lifestyles in The New London Terrace.

ARCHITECTS

Moxon Architects


THE CONCEPT

This design, like its Georgian and Victorian forerunners, provides an elegant, regular facade and streetscape, but allows for individuality by introducing different colours or shading to enliven the terrace and provide variation.

Again, as with historic terraces, the front is regular while the back of the buildings allows for more informal and ad-hoc variations, including the residents’ choice of plants in the integral planters at ground and first-floor levels.
CHALLENGES

To apply the simplicity and flexibility of 18th- and 19th- century terrace design to modern-day lifestyles, fully taking into account current regulations and technical and economic concerns.

SOLUTIONS

The construction and layout can accommodate changing space requirements as family life alters over the years - only minor structural alterations are needed to radically transform the house.

The design allows for the generous living and storage spaces to be adapted because internal walls can be added easily and cheaply, for instance to provide additional workspace or to accommodate the needs of elderly family members.

UNUSUAL FEATURES

The design promotes “green walls” and kitchen gardens, with opportunities for planting at ground and first-floor levels, thus helping to protect privacy as well as adding colour and individuality. Planters can be used as small-scale kitchen gardens.

GREEN INNOVATIONS

The entire roof is covered with solar panels to provide hot water year-round, and air source heat pumps are installed for room heating. Grey water from the roof is used for lavatories and watering the garden.

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