Author: studio@gregoryphillips.com

We are delighted to announce that our recently completed project in Totteridge has been shortlisted for the RIBA London Award 2024.

The client approached Gregory Phillips Architects to design a house that could offer an architecturally exemplary replacement to the previous 1960s bungalow. The brief was for easy-use, single-storey living which would relate well with the various external areas of the site.

A sense of arrival was essential, thus visitors are firstly guided through the entry courtyard bordered by a mature Maple and encompassed by 3 sides of modern brick walling, before then being led into the entrance hall, which feels like an extension of this external space. 

The exterior of the house has been cleverly designed, whilst considerate of its Conservation Area location. The dark-toned dwelling sits well within the intensely green landscaped garden. The end result is a striking contemporary new house that provides the owner with a fantastic living environment whilst complementing its surroundings.

PROJECT UPDATES

We have recently achieved planning success on two projects in Hertfordshire and are looking forward to construction commencing later this year. 

This proposed house is located in the North Hertfordshire district boundary and within greenbelt designated land, with surroundings characterised by suburban housing plots with detached single-family dwellings.

The house is intended as the permanent home for the owner occupier, who would like to replace the current dilapidated dwelling to create their long-term family home. This proposal seeks to create an attractive and cohesive building which complements the site and provides a home of architectural and environmental merit. 

Planning approval has been granted by virtue of the proposal having no great impact on the openness of the green belt as the footprint of the building is largely unchanged compared to the existing dwelling. The new building also rotates the first floor part of the house through 90 degrees to reduce its impact when viewed from the street. The outcome is a house that appears modest in size compared to many nearby properties so that the feeling of openness around the site remains. 

This proposed house is located within the Hertsmere district boundary, in an area characterised by large suburban housing plots incorporating large detached single-family dwellings of traditional design.

Planning success has again been achieved, with the front elevation closely responding to the context, by reference to the classical proportions of the local Georgian typology. At the rear, we have created a modern interpretation of the traditional villa form.

The chosen materials are also traditional and appropriate to the area, being widely used in neighbouring houses.

The proposal incorporates brickwork walls under a tiled roof, and front sash windows, which will be contrasted to the rear with slimline glazing to increase visual connectivity with the rear gardens. The rear will be clad in the same brickwork as the front of the property, for continuity, and will include dark-coloured metal-clad dormers to the roofscape.

GREGORY PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS

We create contemporary houses. We believe these can be luxurious and comfortable. Elegant and practical. Impressive and homely. Use traditional materials and be current. Be focussed on design and be energy efficient. Above all, created for your lifestyle to be the best home you can live in.

Currently, we are working on houses in the UK and Internationally.

Follow us on Instagram for updates.

LANDSCAPING DESIGN

The relationship between interior and exterior spaces is a key consideration within our projects. Therefore, with the aim of delivering a holistic design process, and through collaboration with specialist landscaping consultants, we remain heavily involved with this aspect of our projects. This results in light-filled architecture which connects seamlessly with its landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces.

Below is a selection of projects which showcase this aspect of our designs.

TOTTERIDGE III

The brief was for single storey living which would relate well with the various areas of the site, whilst enjoying far reaching views from the main living spaces. Whilst considerate of its Conservation Area location, the dark toned dwelling sits well within the intensely green natural landscape of its garden.

COBHAMHOUSE

Situated on one of the area’s most prominent private roads, the house has been significantly extended. a new pavilion structure which would run perpendicular to the existing house, creating a better relationship with the garden, and moving the kitchen and informal living and dining areas into the pavilion. The garden was reconfigured, and a new external swimming pool was created.

A highly glazed ‘walkway’ was introduced to link the main house with the single-storey work-from-home studio – giving a physical link between these spaces, whilst also providing a ‘stroll through the garden’ for anyone walking from one space to the other

TOTTERIDGE II

The design is unequivocally contemporary, and contrasts to the surrounding traditional neighbouring properties – yet references the materials of the local area. Built predominantly of brick and timber, these materials are reimagined in a unique way – where brickwork is suspended above a lightweight timber and glass ground floor.

This playful juxtaposition of the construction creates a distinctive and high-quality aesthetic that is used both inside and out, and allows for seamless transitions between the interior and exterior spaces.

CHISWICK

Fluid relationships between the interior and exterior spaces are formed via vast sliding doors that open out onto the garden; the luxurious ranges of fabrics, natural stone and marble create layers of texture.

A sculptural extension clad in patinated brass panels was added to the rear of the house offering more sunlight and space to the ground floor areas whilst creating an exceptional openness to the newly landscaped garden.

BATTERSEA HOUSE

In plan, the unusual wedge-shaped house means that the house is much larger at the rear than the front, with the end of the garden extending the width of four terraced plots.

Gregory Phillips Architects sought to maximise the potential of the house by creating extensive new additions at the rear, opening up the house to the garden through modern open plan spaces while retaining the formal reception rooms and more traditional features to the front.

SEVENOAKS

This extensive Grade II Listed building refurbishment in Sevenoaks included reconfiguration and contemporary extension to a farmhouse and barn in Kent. By reconfiguring the Ground Floor plan and adding a contemporary glazed extension housing the new kitchen, the property now provides the family with an arrangement suited to open plan living, while maximising views of the idyllic rural setting from the rooms they spend the most time in.

The transition and relationship between interior and exterior spaces have been carefully considered. The proposed landscaping was designed and detailed by Gregory Phillips Architects to complement the character of the extension and gently integrate the sculptural form of the extension into the surrounding landscape.

BERKSHIRE II

Occupying a spectacular woodland site overlooking the river Thames, At the centre of the house is a unique double height entrance and dining hall, with six-metre tall sliding glazed doors and glass walls, providing a theatrical connection between inside and out.

Arriving into a modest entrance space, one is then gradually led into the double height entrance hall where the views of the site are finally revealed.

Materially, the house uses robust, raw and contrasting materials that were considered not only in respect of neighbouring properties, but also the dominant landscape.

HERTSMERE

Image produced by Bluestone Landscapes LTD

Within this project, front sash windows will be contrasted to the rear with slimline glazing to increase visual connectivity with the rear gardens.

Articulated amongst vibrant landscaping, the exterior spaces will include various patios incorporating a dining area and informal seating areas, as well as an outdoor kitchen, and an 18m swimming pool. To the rear of the garden, the proposal also includes a pavilion containing a gym and lounge, again offering further connection to the gardens and pool.

GREGORY PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS

We create contemporary houses. We believe these can be luxurious and comfortable. Elegant and practical. Impressive and homely. Use traditional materials and be current. Be focussed on design and be energy efficient. Above all, created for your lifestyle to be the best home you can live in.
Currently, we are working on houses in the UK and Internationally.

Follow us on Instagram for updates.

Our suburban homes feel rooted in their landscapes. We treat the interior and exterior of your home with equal importance, by working holistically to ensure that everything inside works seamlessly with the buildings or landscapes that surround it. Whether it is a compact urban site or a rural landscape with extensive views, our approach seeks to maximise the potential of the site and deliver a unique and considered response to create a modern home with exceptional living space. 

Discover more here: https://gregoryphillips.com/projects/#new-houses

DOUBLE-HEIGHT SPACES

From contemporary interiors to new-build architecture, remodelling, concept design and landscape design, our projects demonstrate dramatic, light-filled spaces, rich materiality, precise detailing, and a strong connection between inside and outside living.

GREGORY PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS

We create contemporary houses. We believe these can be luxurious and comfortable. Elegant and practical. Impressive and homely. Use traditional materials and be current. Be focussed on design and be energy efficient. Above all, created for your lifestyle to be the best home you can live in.

Currently, we are working on houses in the UK and Internationally.

Follow us on Instagram for updates.

CURRENT PROJECTS

We are currently working on the design of projects in the London areas of Battersea, St Johns Wood and Stanmore as well as projects in Macclesfield, Shropshire, Surrey and Windsor. Internationally we are working on projects in Miami and the Middle East.

TOTTERIDGE COMMON

We are excited to reveal our new build house in Totteridge, as the project reaches completion. This is our Sixth project in the Totteridge area and the second new build house in Totteridge Common.

This five-bedroom single-storey home with an outdoor swimming pool, located in a London Conservation area, is fully heated via air source heat pumps, with the electricity provided by PV solar panels.

The property has been designed to read as a pavilion within a rich landscape, aided by the reflective glass and dark tones.

AWARDS

BRITISH HOMES AWARDS

We are delighted to announce that our Totteridge Common Project has been shortlisted for the British Homes Awards 2022.

CONCEPT DESIGNS

We design projects throughout the UK and internationally. We often design the concept for a project and later work with local Architects to ensure our clients obtain the vision we set out to achieve.

The beginning of all our luxury house design projects involves understanding our clients’ requirements and ambitions. In many instances we develop initial concept designs and then go on to provide architectural and interior design services for the project from inception to completion of the construction. We also offer concept design as a standalone service, allowing clients’ to work with us to achieve their ambitions and requirements in a way that best suits them.

One of our international concepts is shown below, with more set to be showcased on our website in the near future.

This project for a new build house is located in a secluded location in Atherton, California. The project is a large house located in a woodland setting, with a stream and significant changes in level but with limited outdoor space.

The client wanted to maximise the use of the site by creating a substantial new house and create a greater visual impact as the existing house is largely concealed from view when approached. The house needed to incorporate 6 bedrooms, formal living and dining spaces, a family kitchen, family living and dining spaces as well as a basement with cinema and games room spaces. There was also a requirement to create a dramatic entrance.

The solution proposed was to rotate the building 90 degrees to face the driveway creating a more traditional front and back, public and private organisation of the house. The garage provides a link to the utility and kitchen spaces while there is also a more formal approach which draws you through a dramatic courtyard setting to the double-height entrance hall, allowing a through view to the pool and garden area at the rear via a formal living and dining area.

Architecturally, on the upper levels, a timber framework has been used to break down the bulk of the building and give it greater visual lightness. The building incorporates various terraces which allow the maximisation of the available space while creating a luxurious treehouse feel to the bedrooms overlooking the tree canopies and the stream.

The large flat roof allowed for the integration of Solar panels to provide electricity for much of the house’s heating and cooling requirements as well as EV car charging, and water is collected from the roof for irrigation purposes.

GREGORY PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS

We create contemporary houses. We believe these can be luxurious and comfortable. Elegant and practical. Impressive and homely. Use traditional materials and be current. Be focussed on design and be energy efficient. Above all, created for your lifestyle to be the best home you can live in.

Currently, we are working on houses in the UK and Internationally.

Follow us on Instagram for updates.

MODERN MATTERS

We have continued our collaboration with architectural photographer and video expert Mel Yates, exploring and expressing our passion for designing exceptional modern architecture, exploring how each design idea helps to solve the puzzle of building a unique contemporary home.

Gregory has recently used the series to take an in-depth look at our project in Totteridge, which was recently nominated for the RIBA London Regional Awards 2022.

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel to follow our story & follow us on Instagram for weekly Modern Matters uploads.

SITE PROGRESS

We currently have several projects on-site, as seen below:
Follow us on Instagram for updates.

TOTTERIDGE COMMON

We are excited to continue reporting the progress of our new build house in Totteridge, as the project nears completion. 

This 5 bed single-storey home with an outdoor swimming pool, located in a London Conservation area, is fully heated via air source heat pumps, with electricity provided by PV solar panels.

The property has been designed to read as a pavilion within a lush landscape, aided by the reflective glass and dark tones.

STANMORE HILL

We are also excited to see the assembly of the steel frame for our scheme at Stanmore Hill, an unequivocally contemporary home which makes the most of the site but one that is also modest in scale. The ground floor basement level is cut into the hillside creating terraces and planted areas which are punctuated with courtyards. This allows the house to maximise use of outside spaces and also minimise its visual intrusion into the surrounding Conservation Area.

We look forward to reporting on the progress of this project, as it progresses through construction.

BLENKARNE ROAD

We have also seen significant progress in the extension and refurbishment of our project at Blenkarne Road, Another scheme that is scheduled for completion in the near future. 

GREGORY PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS 

We create contemporary houses. We believe these can be luxurious and comfortable. Elegant and practical. Impressive and homely. Use traditional materials and be current. Be focussed on design and be energy efficient. Above all, created for your lifestyle to be the best home you can live in.

Currently, we are working on houses in the UK and Internationally.

Follow us on Instagram for updates