Architect-designed homes in London
(Picture: ES)We might only be two episodes into Grand Designs: House of the Year, but we’ve already whizzed through 10 extraordinary homes that all hoped to take the top gong.
A pink concrete beach hut in East Sussex and a PoMo take on a red brick farmhouse in Dorset were sent through to the final during the first installment.
There were equally difficult decisions to make last night, with five architect-designed homes organised into three categories: breath-taking transformation of existing buildings, ground-breaking ideas and exceptional craftsmanship. Two projects made the shortlist for the coveted RIBA House of the Year Award: a rustic tin barn with a “Meccano” viewing tower and a traditional London mews property hollowed out into an ultra-sophisticated eco house.
In that spirit, we’ve selected 10 London homes for sale with serious architectural appeal, from a Brockley eco home nominated for the Manser Medal to a flat in a zero-carbon development that got a nod from the prestigious Stirling Prize.
Lewisham, SE13
£1.195 million
This RIBA award-winning house by 31/44 Architects has been cleverly constructed on a former infill site. It has three bedrooms and as many terraces, plus good energy efficiency.
Call Aucoot, 020 7112 4907
Forest Gate, E7
£925,000
This secluded three-bedroom home makes good use of natural materials, from Douglas fir beams to cork walls. There are three courtyard gardens as well as a green sedum roof.
Call The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Highgate, N6
£7 million
Designed by Eldridge Smerin, this four-bedroom house occupies a one-of-a-kind position on the edge of Highgate Cemetery. It has a roof terrace and three balconies, as well as plenty of glazing.
Call Knight Frank, 020 3869 4758
London Fields, E8
£699,999
This three-bed flat is in a RIBA award-winning building by Amin Taha Architects. It has an open plan layout, with a wealth of built-in storage and underfloor heating beneath concrete floors.
Call Blake Stanley, 020 3869 5060
Sydenham Hill, SE6
£3 million
This newly built four-bedroom home in the grounds of Beltwood House sits among three acres of gardens and woodland. Estate residents have access to a gym and spa facilites within the main house.
Call Hamptons, 020 3369 4375
Hackbridge, SM6
£325,000
Shortlisted for the 2001 Stirling Prize, BedZED is a pioneering zero-carbon scheme. This one-bedroom flat has a mezzanine level and pitched skylights, plus access to a communal meadow.
Call The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
North Kensington, W10
£15 million
At almost 5,000 sq ft, this contemporary design by Powell Tuck has a distinctive slatted façade. There are five bedrooms, a gym and a home cinema, plus a cantilevered concrete staircase.
Call Domus Nova, 020 7727 1717
Earlsfield, SW1
£1.65 million
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this five-bedroom home was designed by its architect owners. Arranged over three floors, it has an integrated garage and fully glazed aspect onto trees.
Call Loney Miller, 020 8945 7555
Brockley, SE4
£900,000
This contemporary end-of-terrace house by 1200 Works was nominated for the Manser Medal. Its fibre-reinforced concrete frame and airtight insulation means Passivhaus-level energy consumption.
Call The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Fulham, SW6
£4 million
This slick, architect-designed home is well concealed behind a traditional façade. There are three bedrooms, plus a large split-level garden studio and a pool with waterfall-style feature.
