Dezeen Magazine

Black glass facade mirrors scenery at south London home by Ian McChesney

Opaque glass cladding on this south London house by Ian McChesney reflects the brick and stucco facades of neighbouring Victorian properties and foliage from a park next door (+ slideshow).

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

Ian McChesney designed the five-bedroom home, named Tree House, for a plot of land in a conservation area in Sydenham, south-east London.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

The London-based architect came up against a number of planning restrictions imposed for the site, which is surrounded by a number of late Victorian properties, including a requirement to adhere to sustainable building standards. Over 68 objections were lodged against the development by local residents.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

"It was made clear to us by the planners at Lewisham that a 'striking' and high-quality design was sought for this site," McChesney told Dezeen.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

In response, McChesney designed "a simplistic and crisp form" made of two conjoined volumes topped by a butterfly roof that pitches up at the edges and dips in the centre.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

"Given the variety of forms we decided not to mimic the existing massing but to create something obviously new," he said.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

The two timber-framed volumes are clad in sections of black polished glass, favoured by the planning committee for its perceived ability to blend into the surroundings. A layer of insulation between the prefabricated wooden frame and glass facing gives the house warmth.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

The glossy surface reflects the facades of neighbouring houses and planting, "helping it to sit harmoniously in it's leafy setting."

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

The larger of the two volumes houses the main open-plan living space of the property and a bedroom on the ground floor, while four further bedrooms are located across the upper floor.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

Windows with wooden frames, set neatly into the glass panelling of the lower floor, face onto the gardens.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

Attached to the side of living space, the second volume forms a slim windowless stairwell that creates a buffer between an adjacent property.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

A doorway at either end of the stairwell provides two entrance points to the building, which is positioned between two small tracks.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

Off the hallway there is open-plan living room and kitchen with light wooden floorboards. The kitchen is centred around an island finished in a contrasting dark-stained wood, while in the living room a wood-burning stove with a flue that rises through the ceiling.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

Sections of wood-framed glazing overlook the garden and a set of timber steps lead from glazed doors onto an area of raised decking.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney

Above the living space there are four further bedrooms, and two bathrooms situated at either end of the stairwell. Panels of high-level glazing in the bedrooms sit flush with the polished glass facade and give views to the park.

The property is currently available to purchase through estate agents The Modern House.

Sydenham house by Ian McChesney
Site plan – click for larger image
Sydenham house by Ian McChesney
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
Sydenham house by Ian McChesney
First floor plan – click for larger image