Catching Sun House

A compact London house designed with precisely placed windows and courtyards that maximize access to natural light.

Four years in the making, the Catching Sun House project provides a blueprint for creatively designed dwellings that make the most of awkwardly-shaped plots. Located in Walthamstow, London, this piece of land was long, narrow, and surrounded by houses and gardens. Local architecture practice Studioshaw completed the design and building process, focusing on maximizing access to natural light and on ensuring privacy from the nearby houses. To make the project as eco-friendly as possible, the team also used simple, durable and low-maintenance materials like recycled cinderblocks and solid wood.

Following local regulations, the studio ensured that the house has at least 50 sq m of outdoor space. Despite the compact site, the team successfully created three courtyards. Glass sliding doors smoothly connect indoor and outdoor areas. Finished with a light cinderblock base and walls, the building gives a nod to the neighborhood’s Victorian brick houses. A black timber roof with pitched forms adds a dynamic layer to the design. Additionally, the angled roof optimizes access to natural light throughout the year. The architects also used cinderblocks inside the house to create a seamless transition between the courtyards and the interior.

On the ground floor, the living room opens to the main courtyard via glazed doors with slim aluminum frames. This area also connects to another smaller patio. The main bedroom opens to a glass box shower area outside and to another courtyard with a stainless steel bath. In the kitchen, clerestory windows bathe the cooking area in natural light. Upstairs, the studio placed a home office and a snug lounge area with custom floor cushions.

Finally, Catching Sun House has a sustainable design and build. Studioshaw collaborated with smaller, specialized companies to finish the project; installed an air source heat pump to improve the house’s energy efficiency; and also used simple materials without finishes for durability and minimal maintenance. Photography © James Brittain.