Grand Designs House of the Year: Kenwood Lee House

kenwood lee house

Set within the Highgate Conservation Area and near the charming Hampstead neighbourhood, Kenwood Lee House is a striking example of modern architecture. Design by Architects Cousin and Cousin this linear home features an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space, alongside seven bedrooms, a swimming pool, a cinema, gym, and spa. Drawing heavy inspiration from the surrounding arts and crafts, the design of Kenwood Lee House was crafted to be both unique and contextually harmonious with its environment.

The house’s exterior presents a contemporary twist on the double-fronted villa, with a front façade that seamlessly integrates into the predominantly brick streetscape, mirroring the eaves, ridges, and gables of the area. In contrast, the rear of the house boasts a predominantly glass exterior, complemented by slim black hardwood shutters, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces.

Inside, the home is designed around a triple-height atrium with a board-marked concrete core, creating a striking visual centrepiece. The timber formwork used in the concrete’s board marking is repurposed as cladding for the gym and swimming pool walls, exemplifying a thoughtful approach to materials. Flanking the concrete core, cantilevered oak-clad staircases ascend each floor, with bridges across the atrium connecting the master bedroom to its ensuite bathroom and dressing room. The contrast between the solid concrete walls and the slender, lightweight bridges and staircases adds a dynamic visual balance to the interior.

A unique feature of the house is a floating staircase with an indoor swing suspended from it, introducing a playful element to the design. The L-shaped living area, divided by a sliding door and a double-sided marble fireplace, is immediately accessible from the front entrance through a short corridor. Skylights above the kitchen and a floor-to-ceiling corner window in the living room offer abundant natural light and views of the streetscape.

Below ground, a 400-square-metre basement emphasizes solidity and quality, featuring meticulous detailing that underlines the home’s luxurious and thoughtfully crafted design.”

kenwood lee house
1 - Property London

Kenwood Lee House has been featured on Grand Designs and has also won a 2019 Winner Brick Award and a 2019 RIBA London Award.

Photo Credits: Jack Hobhouse and Alan Williams

Property London

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