Project overview
London
Described as a ‘palimpsest’ by Hugh Pearman, this new family house was built around the core of an existing 1950’s house by noted British modernist architect Leonard Manasseh. The Lawns was commissioned by Frances and John Sorrell in 1998 and launched Eldridge London as a practice. The project was the first house to be nominated for the Stirling Prize and the jury wrote ‘The Lawns is a very disciplined and exciting house and is an exemplar of how the 21st century house can be incorporated into historic conservation areas as part of the continuing evolution of domestic architecture. It should also inspire other clients and architects to confront the challenges of the UK planning process.’
Contemporary glazed extensions frame the original brick heart of the house, with a double height entrance hall from the street, generous kitchen and garden room spaces flanking the mid-century core, and a panoramic glazed rooftop study space.
The Lawns established the practice’s reputation as architects of bold, contemporary projects on sites within a historic context. The project also won awards from the RIBA, the Civic Trust and the 2002 Camden Design Award.
