Walden
Polysmiths
Camden, 2024
Longlisted
Walden is a flood-resilient basement home surrounded by nature:
Climate Change means that, according to the Mayor of London, at least 200,000 properties in London alone are at risk of surface water flooding, most are residential basement flats.
Polysmiths was appointed by the client to transform their home damaged by flash flooding in 2021. The project resolves multiple conflicting requirements, including how to extend, insulate, flood-proof, and bring light into a basement apartment, while maintaining as much precious garden area as possible.
The result is ‘Walden’ in the city: a cabin-like residence bathed in natural light, built using light-weight and natural materials, and enveloped by a lush green garden.
“When the light shines through the skylight, I felt that all the hard work put in to making a home is worth it. Having the garden so close to the Living room is genius, everyone should do that!”