IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION
Aye, aye, captain Located in Shooter’s Hill, one of the oldest parts of London’s Blackheath, this Grade II Listed captain’s house was more than a little faded, and in many ways unsuited to modern family life. An innovative design approach from Matthew Giles Architects has introduced dramatic changes to the rear.
H
ere, i-Build Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to the homeowner, Steven Hobbs, to find out more about the build process.
RK: What inspired you to take on this project? SH: The building was a
beautiful old house. It wasn’t in a brilliant state and needed some serious tender loving care. A messy tangle of stairs diminished the grandeur of the rear elevation – we knew we would get a lot of joy out of bringing it back to life. The location, opposite Blackheath Common, was also part of the reason we were drawn to the house. I-B U I L D/ F E B/21
RK: Had you always wanted to pursue your own project? SH: Initally, we weren’t
looking for a project, but couldn’t find anything with the right type/amount of character. We realised we would have to try and work with what we could find. We knew the house had something special from the start.
RK: How and why did you choose this property to renovate? SH: Due to its exposed,
elevated position, the house enjoys excellent views over the heath. However, its grandeur and charms faded due to clumsy additions over the
years. A three-storey side extension, for example, and intrusive venting equipment, such as a wallmounted condenser unit.
RK: What style and age is the original building? SH: The original building is a
Grade II Listed captain’s house located in one of the oldest parts of Blackheath, Shooter’s Hill. Like its neighbours, it was one of a group of Neoclassical Victorian Regency homes built in 1839. It has a medium-sized mature garden to the rear, and a front garden.
RK: How did you combine the original building’s style with the extension? SH: Overall, the
renovations and additions are relatively restrained; this is sensitive to the house’s heritage and the Blackheath conservation area. From the street, the main elevation remains mostly unchanged with prominent Neoclassical elements including a deep entrance canopy, flanked by intricate plasterwork and a pointed pediment
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roof. A new extension has been built in place of the former side extension that steps forward at ground and basement levels. Featuring white stuccowork and architrave detailing that is sympathetic to the style of the main facade. The new side extension is also positioned to give the original structure dominance. The changes are more dramatic to the rear, where zinc profiles cap full-height glazing to create a highly transparent element. The glazing allows the space to be flooded with natural light despite the rear elevation’s north-facing aspect. A tension cable guarding to the upper terrace and stairs down into the basement is a whimsical nod to the area’s nautical heritage. Natural stone steps spill onto the lower terrace and the planted garden, beyond which, a raised height boundary wall heightens the sense of privacy and enclosure.
