Verdant House: Redesigning a London Home with Wood, Hemp, and Garden Connection
CAN, an architectural studio, has extended and redesigned a Stoke Newington home in London, incorporating wood and hemp with a distinctive curved window that reconnects the house to its lush garden. Named Verdant House, the project expands the terraced home to suit a young family’s needs.
Addressing Existing Challenges
The original layout featured a long, narrow kitchen with a low ceiling and a poorly insulated conservatory that disconnected the garden from the main living area. CAN reimagined the space by creating an open-plan ground floor that connects seamlessly to the garden.
A Curved Window Inspired by Victorian Shopfronts
The centerpiece of the extension is a sweeping curved glass window, referencing Victorian shopfronts, designed to provide uninterrupted views of the garden and the sky. Positioned alongside large glazed doors, it enhances natural light and creates a striking focal point.
Sustainable and Natural Materials
The extension is built using 85% glue-laminated timber (glulam) and clad in corrugated hemp fiber panels, designed to age gracefully. The roof is planted with a meadow garden, adding to the project’s sustainability. Inside, the timber structure remains exposed, creating a warm and forest-inspired ambiance.
Flexible Living Spaces
To allow adaptability, CAN included full-height hemp fiber curtains and Douglas fir shutters to separate spaces when needed. The kitchen features custom oak cabinets with a rich linseed oil finish and a skylight supported by green trusses, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
A Celebration of Craft and Nature
According to CAN director Mat Barnes, every element of Verdant House is crafted to balance natural materials with high-impact design, reflecting the family’s lifestyle and values.
Photos: Rick Pushinsky
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