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The overall form of Cypher House was dictated by the site: a plot, approximately 15 x 15 metres, the sum of two parcels of land at the rear of 65-66 Anson Road, each housing a garage on a plinth of made-up ground: the gardens being some 2 metres below pavement level.
Imperforate boundary walls on three sides implied a courtyard typology, for which a previous planning permission had been granted, with the further proviso that this should not be more than a single story, behind a continuation of the existing party wall at street level.
The satisfactory arrangement of accommodation within this limiting envelope proved anything but straightforward. However, the lower garden level meant that by using split level section, with a half basement at the front, a two storey volume could be incorporated at the front of the site, the section further provided the opportunity for a double height living space at the heart of the building. A 900mm module is used in plan and section, giving a generous 2.7 metre ceiling height to the single story spaces. Together with the full height doors and enfilade positioning, this offsets the otherwise limited plan space; allowing perception of the complete extent of the built volume in several places. A slot of space behind the street wall opens up at the south end to a courtyard, and offers an informal front garden entrance. The white render to this corner will reflect sunlight onto the stepped planting. The more formal internal courtyard on the east side is overlooked by three key spaces: Studio, Living and Kitchen. A combination of rooflights, casements, and borrowed light ensures all spaces are naturally lit from more than one source. The internal basement store, with one studio above, is linked to the second Studio by a short stair, forming a usefull buffer space to the overshadowed north side.
A dark blue semi-engineering brick is used throughout, with a 220mm external skin in english bond for the front facade. Anthracite powder coated EB24 metal windows, glass block, and bead blasted stainless steel door and gate panel, patinated zinc roofing and clearstory cladding complete a subdued palette sitting comfortably next to the mature planted gardens. |
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