London-based architects Knox Bhavan have transformed a landlocked triangular plot in Teddington, once housing a disused warehouse, into Threefold House, a low-energy single-family dwelling with three planted courtyards. The site’s restricted access rendered it unsuitable for industrial use. The replacement dwelling features a 2.5-meter-high perimeter wall echoing the old warehouse wall, behind which lie courtyards surrounded by single-storey accommodation, with a two-storey section bordering the street.
The living spaces, including a kitchen, pantry and utility room, along with the master bedroom, are all located on the ground floor. The first floor features three additional bedrooms with bathrooms and a double-height enclosable space. A large courtyard is shared with the sitting room at one end and the garage and potting area at the other. At the centre of the house, a courtyard provides views for the hall and study, while the master bedroom enjoys its own private courtyard.
Constructed from a lightweight steel frame and engineered concrete slab, the house features a timber-framed upper floor clad in dark-coloured zinc with standing seams. Energy-efficient features include continuous insulation, photovoltaics integrated into the zinc roof powering a heat pump and electric car charger, timber brise soleil for overheating prevention, and a green roof for urban cooling. Additionally, self-finishing hardwearing cladding and flooring reduce maintenance and the whole-life carbon footprint of the building, while the planted courtyards enhance biodiversity and provide habitats for wildlife. Photo © Edmund Sumner. Knox Bhavan
