A contemporary infill house in the heart of East Dulwich, London. Positioned on a 91m² brownfield plot, formerly a private parking area, the new four-bedroom, 150m² home has been conceived as a sculptural addition to the streetscape, inspired by the work of British modernist artist Ben Nicholson.

The form responds to the particular conditions of the site: where two subtly differing building lines meet as the street kinks gently, the geometry of the house steps and tapers accordingly, the angles resolving into a soft curve at the corner. Clad throughout in warm grey handmade brick, the building reads as a solid mass carved into — disciplined and tactile, complementing yet quietly distinguishing itself from the neighbouring Victorian terraces.

Courtyard gardens punctuate the plan at multiple levels, drawing daylight deep into the interior and offering private outdoor rooms that extend the living spaces of the house. The arrangement takes its cues from the compact urban houses of Japan: layered, inward-looking, and generous in character despite the constraints of the plot.

Sustainability is embedded from the outset. Sedum roofs support biodiversity and manage rainwater runoff as part of an integrated drainage strategy. An air source heat pump, rooftop photovoltaics and high-performance fabric minimise the home’s carbon footprint, while mechanical ventilation with heat recovery ensures year-round comfort with minimal environmental impact.

The plot, with planning consent granted, is coming up for sale on The Modern House.