DELIVERING ELEGANCE THROUGH BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Tasked with designing a residential extension that blurred the distinction between inside and out , One-World Design embraced the challenge to deliver a multi-award-winning project in the heart of Wandsworth . Here , we take a look at how biophilic design and using rainwater as part of the solution resulted in a visually-striking home extension .
“ Our aim is always the same : to adapt , to improve , and to craft buildings in a way that serves people and the environment to the best possible effect ”, says Chris Medland RIBA , Director at One-World Design . “ This means asking difficult questions and generating a shift in how we perceive our homes , workplaces and infrastructure . Ultimately , we seek out opportunities for ecological enhancement .”
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This amalgamation of nature and the built environment is a theme that permeates throughout One-World Design ’ s portfolio . It ’ s a sentiment that has won numerous accolades and awards over the years , with the latest being a Wandsworth Design Award that celebrates the implementation of this ethos into a home extension in Herondale , Wandsworth .
THE PROJECT Tasked with designing and project managing the complete refurbishment and extension of a 5-bedroom family home , the stand-out element of the project was the visually-striking open plan kitchen-dining and entertainment space at the rear of the property . The focus was on blending the relationship between the garden and the interior , to reflect the homeowner ’ s outdoor lifestyle .
Large glazed sliding doors were installed along the length of the back wall , a living wall established to blend inside and out , and extra light was brought into the space through the use of two half-barrel-vaulted sedum roofs . These vaults were extended beyond the sliding doors to frame the view of the garden and provide shade and shelter .
Chris explains : “ It essentially comes down to how we allow the materiality and visibility of a space to merge across the separating layers that keep the elements out of the house . You want the distinction between garden and home to be minimal , yet there are practicalities associated with keeping the cold and wet elements out of the house . This is where drainage design becomes absolutely critical .”