‘strange house’ by hugh strange architects, london, england
all images courtesy of hugh strange architects

 

 

 

making clever use of an old pub yard enclosed by aged white brick walls, the ‘strange house’ for architect hugh strange of london-based hugh strange architects turns an otherwise unused urban pocket into a livable home and studio. dark spruce timber is used to highlight window and door frames as well as the large panes of glass that run along the walls, accepting the natural light being reflected off of the existing perimeter masonry enclosure. the interior is fitted with fsc tropical hardwood from nicaragua, creating a striking inner warmth of pristine light-colored wood interrupted by the band of glass that wraps around the structure.

 

in the architect’s words:

‘it is small, low budget, and inhabits an unpromising site yet carefully uses the materials and existing site conditions to create a generous and beautiful new home.’

 

 

 

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spruce panels framing the windows

 

 

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(left) space between the home and brick wall
(right) a single window illuminates the nicaraguan wood panel walls

 

 

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kitchen and dining

 

 

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office

 

 

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entrance

 

 

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site plan

 

 

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section

 

 

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model

 

 

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conceptual model