House of the Elements
Neil Dusheiko Architects
Southwark, 2024
Longlisted
House of the Elements is a radical remodelling of a Victorian terraced home, creating a beautiful spa-like retreat in another otherwise ordinary urban setting. Bold spatial gestures, a focus on connections to nature, and also a sense of fun make this an exciting and highly unusual home.
The owners were keen that the house, where they spend most of their time, should have a clear focus on wellbeing, while also incorporating inspiring spaces for socialising and everyday life. The client’s Sri Lankan heritage, and the work of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, informed much of the design approach – in particular, the use of plants to create a green verdant environment full of visual interest and textures, and spaces that flow into each other to provide light, natural ventilation and views.
“The interplay of elements in our home is a symphony of harmony, a canvas where the organic shapes of the green wall meet the precise geometry of Soda’s artwork. This fusion is cradled by the clean lines of the house, creating a serene yet dynamic environment. It's a living gallery that evokes the essence of my Sri Lankan roots, where nature's embrace is a revered architectural principle. Every room whispers stories of joy, uncovering new details at each glance. Neil and his team have crafted not just a structure, but a heartfelt homage to a tropical heritage within a Victorian house.”
