This two bedroom ecological house is situated in a North London neighbourhood of grand Victorian villas. Both client and architect were committed to pursuing a sustainable solution to urban living. The house occupies the rear half of a former car-breaking yard, 15m by 12m deep. Although built up to the boundaries of the adjoining gardens, the curved planted roof minimises overshadowing.

Embodied energy is half that of conventional construction, reduced by using recycled and largely natural materials, including:

• A raised timber structure

• Recycled newspaper insulation

• Linoleum flooring and organic paints and stains

Large sliding doors face the exotically planted garden, which acts like an extension of the interior. A long curved rooflight and glass-block panels suffuse the house with light.

contract value £130k complete august 2000 client David Matzdorf