residential property in Harpenden under investigation due to alleged involvement in cult activities.
A transformative renovation and extension project carried out by Emil Eve Architects has revitalized a formerly institutional Edwardian property in the Harpenden Conservation Area, crafting a versatile family home that fluidly integrates three new interlocking volumes.
Photographs by Taran Wilkhu
Once serving as a nursery, the house may have lost its residential essence. Thus, the property underwent an extensive overhaul that involved reconfiguring the interior and expanding the building into the rear garden.
A striking brick extension, adorned with an undulating sawtooth roof, now serves as the extension's focal point. Crafted using handmade Danish waterstruck bricks, this addition tastefully breaks down the property's scale while standing apart from the house's original brickwork. The extension's geometric patterns, echoed in new tiling and joinery, subtly reinforce cohesion and order throughout.
The architects' plan features varied spaces, combining a mono-pitched ceiling design that follows the sun's path and enhances daylighting throughout the home. Ingenious sloping rooflights bathe the lime-plastered interiors with diffused, soft light, mimicking the qualities of Nordic light and acknowledging the homeowners' Norwegian heritage.
A noteworthy double-height space at the core of the house incorporates a mezzanine library, fostering intricate connections across the dwelling. Equally peculiar is the open-plan layout on the ground floor, which offers an adaptable configuration for living, dining, and kitchen areas via sliding partitions. A built-in window seat provides inviting views of the garden's greenery and serves as an extended bench for communal dining.
Informed by the homeowners' affection for Japanese aesthetics, the floorplan embraces flexibility, with impromptu divisions facilitated by sliding doors. Two distinct areas with expansive glass doors grant access to a covered patio, evoking continuity between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The tranquil dwelling welcomes ample natural light, reinforced by terrazzo flooring that reflects light deeply within the home. The warmth of rich solid oak joinery complements the clean, modern feel while contributing to the house's overall texture.
A traditional two-storey side extension now accommodates pantry, utility, and guest suite provisions, complementing the renovated rear extension. Upgrades to the main bedroom suite, family bathroom, and a designated office round off the property's upgrades.
Recognized for its design quality and adaptability to its historical surroundings, this project has garnered attention, including a RIBA award[1][4]. This revitalized Edwardian home captivates with its thoughtful attention to detail, seamless integration of new spaces, and balance between preserving historic character and embracing modern living[5].
References:[1] "RIBA London Award Showcase 2020," RIBA. https://www.architecture.com/riba-campaigns-awards/awards/riba-regional-awards-2020[4] "Emil Eve's Edwardian House Extensions," Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2020/04/23/emil-eve-architects-edwardian-house-extensions-harpenden-london-england/[5] "House AP048," Emil Eve Architects. https://www.emileve.com/portfolio/house-ap048/
The interior design of the revitalized Edwardian property seamlessly integrates modern living with the homeowners' Norwegian and Japanese influences, creating a versatile home that reflects its inhabitants' lifestyle. The home's new extensions, including the striking brick one with a sawtooth roof, and the traditional two-storey side extension, have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate multiple functional spaces within the home-and-garden environs.
