Canada
USA
Japan
Six Columns: A Crystal Palace House
Six Columns is a stunning example of modern architecture with a brutalist twist, designed by the innovative team at 31/44 Architects. Situated in Crystal Palace, this unique house serves as the personal residence of Will Burges, co-founder of the architectural firm. This article explores the design and features of Six Columns, shedding light on its architectural significance and distinctive character.
Merging Modern and Brutalist Architecture
Location and Inspiration
The 1,640 sq ft Six Columns house is located in the vibrant district of Crystal Palace, south-east London. The site, previously an under-used side garden, has been transformed into a contemporary family home. The design is influenced by the semi-detached houses in the neighborhood, Burges’ experiences with open-plan living, and his architectural studies and travels. “As an architect, you accumulate baggage,” Burges explains, emphasizing the subconscious collage of influences that shaped the house.
Exterior Design and Materials
From the street, Six Columns blends seamlessly with its semi-detached neighbors, sharing similar roof pitches and eaves. The exterior features Tudor Black bricks, which are smooth on the lower levels and rougher with more variety on the upper parts. The pink mortar complements the brick tones, creating a cohesive and textured surface. Burges notes that the focus is on the surface and relief rather than the individual graphics of the bricks.
Innovative Interior Design
Maximizing the Sloping Site
The house is designed to make the most of its sloping, trapezoidal site. It twists and steps, creating a dynamic and functional layout. Burges aimed to design a variety of rooms with distinct characters that could be closed off when needed. Social spaces take precedence, as the family opted against a luxurious bedroom suite.
Natural Light and Views
Inside, the rooms are modestly sized but offer numerous views of internal spaces and the flat green roofs of the lower volumes. The dual-aspect kitchen-dining area receives abundant natural light from the side and rear gardens, enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
Embracing Brutalist Elements
Ground Floor Finishes
The ground floor showcases a brutalist approach to finishes, featuring exposed, self-finished materials like painted brick, spruce paneling, and a concrete frame. Joinery divides the spaces, inspired by Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione project and early modern joinery by Le Corbusier. Burges aimed for a frugal use of materials, allowing them to speak for themselves, reminiscent of British brutalist pioneers Alison and Peter Smithson.
First Floor and Beyond
The first floor adopts a calmer aesthetic with plasterboard finishes. Leading to the top floor are playful, staggered paddle stairs painted bright green, culminating in a skylight that helps draw heat through the house. This playful design element adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise minimalistic interior.
The Concept of an Unfinished Home
Adaptable Interiors
Six Columns is designed with an ethos of perpetual incompletion. The interiors are intentionally left as a loose fit, capable of adjusting to future requirements and tastes. Burges emphasizes that the design philosophy embraces change and adaptability, ensuring the house can evolve with the family’s needs.
Architectural Homage
The name “Six Columns” pays tribute to the house’s structural columns, starting with the mismatched pair by the front door. It also nods to the 1930s modernist house “Six Pillars” by Berthold Lubetkin’s Tecton practice, located on the nearby Dulwich Estate.
Recognition and Other Projects
Awards and Acclaim
31/44 Architects have a reputation for transforming tight urban sites into remarkable homes. Their other notable projects in South London include the Corner House in Peckham and the Manser Medal-winning Red House in East Dulwich. Six Columns has earned the RIBA London Small Project of the Year award, highlighting the firm’s innovative approach and design excellence.
Six Columns stands as a testament to 31/44 Architects’ ability to blend modern and brutalist architectural elements seamlessly. Its thoughtful design, attention to materials, and adaptable interiors make it a unique and award-winning addition to the Crystal Palace neighborhood. This house is not just a residence but a dynamic, evolving space that reflects the creative vision of its architect and inhabitants.
