The Bluebell House is a small, RIBA award-winning, family home on a secluded back-land site in west London. Our client wanted a house into which they could retire, that would be fully accessible, energy efficient with low-running costs and space for a painting studio and workshop.  

The site presented numerous challenges, including restricted access, many listed trees on and around the site including a 500-year old oak, and the need to limit impact and overlooking of surrounding houses.

The footprint and form of the building evolved from detailed study of site opportunities and comprises two elements.  A long, single storey wing is located along the northern boundary, sitting below canopies of adjacent trees, minimising impact on adjoining houses and giving views south into the garden.  A smaller two-storey volume divides the garden into two parts.

The whole is raised slightly above ground level, a thin RC slab on mini piles avoiding damage to existing tree roots.  The building is highly energy efficient with a thick insulated prefabricated timber framed structure, rainwater harvesting, solar panels and ASHP.  The single storey wing has an extensive green roof, planted with bluebell bulbs lifted from the garden before construction began.  The result is a compact, generous and expansive home that is fully embedded in its landscape.

Client:  Ruth & Anthony Fergusson
Stages: RIBA 0 - 6