Vaulted House | vPPR Architects

Hammersmith, London, 2011 - 2015

A series of vaulted roof-lights transfer natural light into the land-locked, ex-industrial site, sheltered from the road by quiet residential gardens. Hidden behind a plain garage door to the street, a secret courtyard forms the entrance to this unusual and distinctive house.

Few exterior windows are permitted in the perimeter wall, so the manipulation of daylight via the roof drives the design. Communal living functions such as dining, sitting, reading and cooking are contained on the upper floor in an open-plan expanse. Rather than being divided by rigid walls or levels, the different living zones on this floor are demarcated by light transmitted via the vaulted roof-lights.

The position of the roof-lights have been carefully calibrated to spotlight different activities throughout the day, according to the shifting angles of the sun. Morning light floods the kitchen, courtyard and breakfast areas, while the evening sun illuminates dining and library areas. An even north light bathes the study and entrance hallway. Huge glass doors next to the dining-area slide into a hidden pocket in the wall to create a continuous outdoor space with the courtyard in summer.

Light is transferred to the generous bedrooms on the ground floor via a series of glazed, planted courtyards. Interior double-height spaces, each with their own spectacular vaulted roof, contain sculptural stairs and views onto the playroom.

"This house is a sophisticated example of urban infill bursting with clever details; its collection of roofs powerfully articulating the relationship between dwelling, light and sky." RIBA London Award Jury

"vPPR ['s] sensitive appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of a site combined enable them to maximise the potential for any site. Whilst their aesthetic is extremely contemporary, they design houses that it would be a pleasure to live in rather than just admire as an uncomfortable work of art. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them." Ivo Hesmondhalgh, Managing Director - Londonwide Properties PLC

Shortlisted RIBA House of the Year Award 2015
RIBA London Award 2015
RIBA Emerging Practice London 2015
Finalist UK Roofing Awards 2015
Featured on Grand Designs 11th November 9pm, Channel 4