Cast House: A Contemporary Reinterpretation of Edwardian Architecture in Clapham

Introduction

Located in the tranquil suburbs of Clapham, South London, Cast House is a newly constructed detached residence that masterfully blends traditional Edwardian architectural elements with modern design sensibilities. Designed by Bureau de Change Architects, this 420 m², four-story home reimagines the classic London suburban house, offering a fresh perspective while respecting the neighborhood's historical context.

Design Concept and Architectural Language

Cast House draws inspiration from the surrounding Edwardian architecture, characterized by gable roofs, bay windows, tiered materiality, and open porch entrances. Bureau de Change Architects has skillfully integrated these motifs into a contemporary idiom, creating a composition of London stock brick and precast concrete. The result is a harmonious fusion that pays homage to the past while embracing modernity.

The entrance elevation is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its heritage neighbors, responding to the established rhythm of the street. In contrast, the rear façade presents a bold statement with a cascading sequence of tiered cubic volumes that project into a re-landscaped garden and a sunken patio. This juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary elements creates a dynamic and engaging architectural narrative.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in the home's design. Precast concrete details echo the local 1930s architectural language, while also reducing the embodied carbon footprint. The concrete panels incorporate a high content of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), a cement substitute that yields a whitewash effect and softer texture. Additional molds at the rear capture the imprints of bricks, and the aggregate is revealed on window sills and planters through timber grinding, enhancing the tactile quality of the surfaces.

The craftsmanship is evident in the interlocking brick corners, cut at an angle to create a rhythmic pattern along the vertical edges. This pattern is inverted in the concrete plinth below, emphasizing the interplay between brick and cast concrete. The inset brick detail gives the impression that the concrete volumes have been pushed into an existing façade, highlighting the distinction between active and passive volumes.

Spatial Organization and Interior Experience

Designed within the footprint and height parameters of the original 1930s house, Cast House maximizes its spatial potential through thoughtful planning. Bureau de Change Architects excavated one level below ground and added a fifth bedroom as an attic room with a dormer window, resulting in a generous four-story layout.

The interior spaces are connected by an azure blue suspended staircase with vertical railings, leading to a stepped garden terrace that unifies the house and garden. The terrace, flanked by cubic volumes housing planters and an open hearth for outdoor cooking, serves as a bridge between the interior and the re-landscaped garden.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Cast House adheres to passive house principles, incorporating sustainable technologies to enhance energy efficiency. The design includes two air source heat pumps (ASHP) and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR), ensuring optimal indoor air quality and reduced energy consumption. These systems contribute to the home's sustainability goals while providing a comfortable living environment.

All the photographs are works of Gilbert McCarragher