OF ARCHITECTURE . photos: © Lorenzo Zandri
In the suburban streets of Barnet, North London, a heartwarming tale of architectural transformation mirrors the bold spirit of its octogenarian commissioner. The new residence, named Woodbury, stands as a testament to embracing change whilst cherishing the essence of the past.
At the heart of this narrative is Kathryn, now in her mid-eighties, who approached the project with the same spirit that characterised the modernist architects of the early 20th century. Rather than remaining in her family home, surrounded by decades of accumulated memories, she chose a path that echoes the thinking of her era: to edit, curate, and move forward.
The journey began after Kathryn visited Pentire Residence in Cornwall, also by Of Architecture, where she was captivated by its honest, utilitarian finish. This appreciation for architectural authenticity runs deep in her character – her late husband Jon was an architect, and together they shared a passion for Edwin Lutyens and Alvar Aalto. Their weekends were often spent exploring Edwardian country houses, particularly those featuring gardens by Gertrude Jekyll, whose work epitomised the period’s embrace of the English gardens.
The architectural concept draws inspiration from decalcomania – the art of creating mirror patterns through folded paint. However, this mirroring is not mere replication. The new structure responds thoughtfully to practical necessities: the ground floor follows the natural site levels, whilst a continuous thermal envelope ensures modern efficiency. An accessible bedroom and bathroom for her on the ground floor. Living spaces flow naturally between cooking and dining areas, creating rooms filled with light from multiple aspects.
The material palette speaks of both tradition and innovation. Dark burgundy red bricks, handcrafted by family-run Furness Brick in Cumbria, establish a dialogue with the existing house. In a poetic gesture of architectural conservation, rosemary terracotta roof tiles from the demolished music room have been carefully preserved and reinstated, carrying forward the building’s memory whilst reducing waste and embodied carbon.
The rear façade demonstrates particular architectural ingenuity. In homage to Lutyens’ distinctive energy, it subverts an otherwise vernacular element to something strangely familiar – an elegant curvature that combines the roof, eaves, gutter, and façade into a single cohesive brick ‘ski-jump’. This rendition of traditional brickwork demonstrates how historical references can be reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
The commitment to environmental responsibility is equally ambitious. Following Passivhaus principles, the house incorporates substantial mineral wool insulation within the cavity masonry structure and an advanced mechanical ventilation heat recovery system. An air source heat pump powers underfloor heating throughout, while photovoltaic panels on the south-facing gabled roof minimise energy consumption.
Inside, a double-height oak timber screen creates a welcoming ecclesiastical entrance, forming both stair handrail and study alcove, echoing the late husband’s work in the local St. John’s church near Oakleigh Park. The living space features oak flooring that extends to the bay window seating, while the kitchen cabinets tell their own tale of renewal – crafted from elm floorboards salvaged from the original music room, each door bearing witness to decades of family life.
Within these carefully considered spaces, Kathryn has curated a selection of favourite objects that bridge past and present. Her talented mother-in-law’s handwoven shawls now dress the oak-lined walls. Edwardian timepieces and chairs converse with contemporary elements, while the rosewood table crafted by her husband anchors the dining space. Heirloom Georgian glassware and ceramics created by friends find new homes within built-in alcoves, each piece carrying its own story.
Woodbury represents more than architectural innovation – it embodies the courage to embrace change whilst honouring heritage. As Kathryn’s carefully chosen possessions find their places within these new walls, they weave together past and present, creating a home that looks confidently toward the future while celebrating the stories that shaped it.
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