Architect Designs

A striking, ultra-modern home has been constructed in a southwest London suburb, designed by architect Andrei Saltykov on the site of old garages adjacent to Motspur Park station. The 3000-square-foot, jet-black building, with its dramatic sloping roof and minimal windows, has drawn comparisons from neighbors to a 'Batcave' or a 'spaceship.'

Saltykov, an architect with experience on major public buildings including Heathrow Terminal 5 and Madrid's Barajas airport, designed the home for his own family. He was drawn to the unusual triangular plot in 2020 due to its 'constraints,' including its proximity to the railway station and an energy substation. The design aimed to maximize internal space and light while minimizing external windows for privacy.

He transformed the site's perceived limitations into design features. A roof terrace now overlooks the railway platform, and Saltykov occasionally engages in friendly conversation with commuters. Planners approved the project within four months, partly due to Saltykov's careful design that protected neighbors' privacy and the unloved nature of the former garages.

"To compensate for the absence of view, I made volume," Saltykov explained. The home features a three-story living area with mezzanine levels and a high-tech ceiling reminiscent of the industrial style of the Pompidou Centre. The top floor includes a study and family room with access to the roof terrace, while the first floor accommodates four bedrooms.

The interior design incorporates elements like a wraparound birch ply bookcase. A vibrant fluorescent red steel staircase is a deliberate accent, highlighting the building's structure. Light enters the house through a large top-floor window and frosted glass brick ribbons at the front. The kitchen features a long picture window facing the railway line, shielded by a recycled concrete panel.

During construction, the unusual appearance of the building generated curiosity among locals. Neighbors expressed surprise, noting its stark contrast to the surrounding suburban landscape. The angled roof is designed to avoid blocking neighbors' light, and the black aluminum exterior is chosen to camouflage train dirt. The ribbed design channels rainwater, and triple-glazed windows, insulation, and thick walls minimize noise, supplemented by a mechanical heat and ventilation recovery system for fresh air.

Saltykov has incorporated features that could allow the house to be divided into two separate residences in the future, including foundations for a second staircase and separate plumbing infrastructure. The architect, who now runs his own practice, Andrei Saltykov and Partners (ASaP), takes pride in his design, stating it is not intended to be provocative but to achieve a better result through unconventional means. The house is open to the public during an annual Open House festival and has also been registered with a film location agency.