Lees Architects in collaboration with another company achieved planning approval for a replacement contemporary dwelling on the outskirts of London within the green belt.

The site owner wanted to maximise the value of the site by providing a bespoke replacement dwelling which would be a unique property within the area. The existing site is a stunning plot featuring established trees in a well-kept garden and views north over Totteridge Fields.

The current house is a dated property which doesn’t utilise the views into or out of the site. It has been extended several times over the years which has led to a confused internal layout.

As the property is within the protected green belt surrounding London, permission is not granted easily to substantially increase the size of a replacement dwelling. To maximise the extent of the development, permission has to be sought for various other alterations first, before then using these to maximise the size of the proposal. The result is a 7500 sq.ft 6 bedroom dwelling that features a central open courtyard, pool, gym, cinema, and nanny room. The contemporary design allows for maximising views both into the private garden and over the landscape to the north of the site, and integrates the use of the gardens and the house by connecting internal and external spaces.

The plan of the property simplifies the use of the house and orientates everything around one central corridor providing views from one end to the other, with all the rooms located directly off the corridor. An inner courtyard provides a garden oasis within the property, ensuring light and ventilation to the centre of the ground floor plan.