At 300 millimetres in section, Valhalla — a new elevation for a house in Highgate – is the thinnest project we’ve ever done. The house, designed by John Winter, is one of a triptych of modernist homes on a steep hill through the cemetery. We chose a vertical grid of charred larch fins to cover the tired façade, contrasting with the living trees opposite and reflecting our clients’ interest in the macabre. Reading as a solid on the up- or downhill approach, the gaps between the fins open on passing to reveal the ghost of the original house behind.
On sale just in time for All Hallows’ Eve, this house on the edge of a cemetery has had a macabre modern makeover.
The cladding reflects vertical rhythm of trees opposite
The project is an act of urban generosity, completing a triptych of striking design interventions on the leafy edge of Highgate cemetery.
Archello
A charred timber-clad house called Valhalla, set in one of London’s Magnificent Seven cemeteries and with topiary tombstones on the roof, has gone on the market just in time for Halloween. Named for the hall where Vikings were said to reside after death in Norse mythology, the striking modern property backs directly on to Highgate Cemetery, with marble headstones butting right up to the house and visible just outside the lower-floor windows.
The couple wanted the new design of the building to reference the cemetery as well as their interest in the macabre. English larch fins that had been ‘traumatised’, an ancient Japanese technique where the wood is charred, making it black, crackled with a crocodile skin-effect and as dead as possible, were attached to the front of the house.
The old exterior of the building can still be seen behind the fins and when you walk up Swains Lane they seem to flutter, giving a ghostly effect,” says David [Pearson], who has collected ephemera relating to Highgate Cemetery since moving into the house.
The collection includes a receipt for one of the old graves, material relating to the ‘Highgate vampire’ media frenzy in 1970, which led to a battle in the press between two vampire hunters, and a crest featuring a skull, specially designed for the house by the graphic designer Brian Webb.
Prudence Ivey, Evening Standard
EPHEMERA...?
The collection includes a receipt for one of the old graves, material relating to the ‘Highgate vampire’ media frenzy in 1970, which led to a battle in the press between two vampire hunters, and a crest featuring a skull, specially designed for the house by the graphic designer Brian Webb.
CAPTIONS
A new outfit for the house
Clients with Gothic interests – Victoriana, topiary gravestones, house next to Highgate Cemetery
Row of 3 houses – glass house (winner of Manser Medal)
Cladding reflects vertical rhythm of trees opposite
Charred wood – living vs dead to reflect their personality
New elevation with ghost of old behind
