Projects
This unique project, set within the Thames floodplain, demonstrates our ability to navigate complex architectural challenges and environmental constraints. Located on a secluded Thames eyot prone to severe seasonal flooding, the original dwelling was damaged beyond repair during an extreme flood event, presenting both significant limitations and a rare opportunity for reinvention.
Working within stringent Green Belt planning policies and defined budget parameters, we developed an innovative replacement dwelling that not only met these constraints but also substantially enhanced the home’s quality and performance. Our proposal carefully re-established the house with a more efficient and considered footprint, complemented by generous external terraces and platforms that allow daily life to engage directly with the river’s changing conditions. The design celebrates the island setting, with a reconfigured first floor arranged to capture long views along the Thames and framed glimpses of passing boats throughout the circulation spaces.
Location
Sunbury-on-Thames
Internally, the architecture is shaped by a double-height void above the kitchen, bringing natural light deep into the plan and creating a strong sense of vertical connection. Split-level pitched roofs with strategically positioned rooflights flood the interior with daylight. At the same time, careful manipulation of geometry and section allows the house to feel significantly more expansive than its footprint suggests.
The technical innovation lies in our sustainable approach to flood resilience. Constructed using a steel frame and Y-Tong blocks, the property is elevated on engineered stilts above predicted 100-year flood levels, allowing water to flow freely beneath during flood events and ensuring the natural watercourse remains unimpeded.
Sustainability informs every aspect of the project. Water-source heat pumps draw energy directly from the Thames during periods of isolation, while solar panels provide heating and hot water. River access and boat mooring were fully integrated into the design, reinforcing the home’s functional and visual relationship with the water. Debris from the original structure was reused to reinforce the riverbank, completing a circular and environmentally responsible approach.
