Honey and Walnut House Birmingham, West Midlands Property Photos, English 1970s Bungalow
Honey and Walnut House in Birmingham
2 May 2022
Five projects have been awarded RIBA West Midlands Awards
Honey and Walnut House, Birmingham, central England, UK
Design: Intervention Architecture Ltd
photograph © Handover Agency
Honey and Walnut House, Birmingham, West Midlands
Jury Report
In cleverly minimising new extensions and instead placing focus on opening the primary structure, Intervention Architecture has transformed this humble bungalow. Set within a row of traditional 70s bungalows, the new form is subtly striking and rebalances the proportions to reveal a secret vault of space internally.
Externally the re-alignment of a new roof form, which has been inset to create a parapet with sharper coping lines, establishes a new language to the street, whilst adhering to strict conservation area conditions, with a very simple, full-width extension at the rear of the property. Brick detailing has been delicately varied throughout the façade to represent changes to the perforation of the building façade.
photograph © Handover Agency
Its upon entry that the building comes alive. The old, suspended ceilings were removed so that the sloping underside of this new roof could be revealed, overhauling an interior that once seemed small and cramped into one that feels bright and spacious.
The floor plan has been designed to work as hard as possible. The new layout divides the house neatly into three zones, with the living spaces in the centre, bedrooms and bathrooms on one side, and garage and utility spaces on the other. While the clients wanted their home to feel open, they were wary of creating a space that felt too cold and minimal. To avoid this, the Architects insisted that the furniture was planned from the outset as a means of subtly dividing space. The joinery details are all bespoke and the language of these is fluent throughout the building.
photo © Handover Agency
The innovative solution creates a lofty, unexpected family space, offsetting lighter honey toned floors, bright surfaces and a birch kids bedroom mezzanine, with darker walnut joinery insertions such as wall paneling, study and kitchen. A large glass sliding door creates a direct link with the kitchen, living area and garden, the light infiltration of this space creates drama throughout the plan.
The opportunity was also utilised as part of the retrofit to upgrade the thermal envelope and achieve improved air tightness beyond building regulations whilst optimising natural cross ventilation with window positioning.
photo © Handover Agency
Honey and Walnut House Birmingham – Property Information
RIBA region: West Midlands
Architect practice: Intervention Architecture Ltd
Date of completion: Dec 2020
Date of occupation: Dec 2020
Client company name: Private
Project city/town: Birmingham
Contract value: Confidential
Gross internal area: 195.00 m²
Net internal area: 218.00 m²
Cost per m²: Confidential
Contractor company name: Kiwi Design and Build
photo © Handover Agency
Consultants
Structural Engineers: CDP Bromsgrove
Joiners: MJM Bespoke
Awards
• RIBA Regional Award
• Regional Award Short List
2022 RIBA West Midlands Awards Winners
2022 RIBA West Midlands Awards Winners
Honey and Walnut House Birmingham – RIBA Northwest Awards Shortlist 2022 images / information received 270422
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK
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