Project overview
Highgate, London
This landmark house makes a striking contribution to the Grade I Listed landscape of Highgate Cemetery. Replacing a dilapidated property by notable 20th century architect John Winter, the building maximises its plot, whilst respecting the sensitive graves and historic monuments by cantilevering out to provide upper level balconies and terraces. The house won RIBA awards, and was a finalist for the Manser Medal (RIBA House of the Year), the London Building of the Year and the Stephen Lawrence Award, with John Winter himself generous enough to note that it was ‘as near to a faultless building as I have seen in a long time’.
Two glazed facades look over the picturesque cemetery landscape, whilst an abstract street facade of honed black granite references the tall cemetery wall and monumental masonry of the context. Glass floors draw light down through the levels to the entrance from a sliding rooflight over the top floor kitchen, whilst the exposed concrete structure provides material richness and contrast to the glazing.
