With accessibility and sustainability top of mind, architect Oliver Leech designs a garden dwelling that brings a family closer together.
Five years ago, geologist Nikki Earthrowl and her husband, Richard, approached architect Oliver Leech with an idea firmly planted in the future. “The brief was to create a house that would enable accessible living,” Leech says.
Nikki and Richard live just outside London in the town of Esher, and they wanted to construct a home on their property where her mother could live independently and comfortably for many years to come. The dwelling would be modest in size—just two bedrooms and a compact living space—although the couple had big goals in mind and sought to prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and a forward-looking aesthetic.
The home is constructed with British larch and clad in timber with a charred shou sugi ban finish. It features a central ridge beam and a butterfly roof.
Photo by Stale Eriksen
“We were asked to use contemporary construction methods to produce a low-energy and sustainable house, and chose materials that would be healthy to promote well-being,” says Leech.
The kitchen and living spaces are finished with polished concrete floors and pale clay plaster walls.
Photo by Stale Eriksen
The clerestory windows cast light and shadows above the kitchen, which has low drawers that are easy to access from a seated position.
Photo by Stale Eriksen
See the full story on Dwell.com: In England, a Couple Build a Serene Backyard Home for Aging in Place
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