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Caption: _______ THE TREE HOUSE
Caption: Every so often, you come across a house that stops you in your tracks.
It might be a particularly striking piece of architecture. It might be about the location. Sometimes, it's about the materials that have been used.
Indeed, it might be all of the above.
The Tree House is one of those houses. _______ THE MODERN HOUSE
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Caption: Tucked down a quiet lane in Sydenham in south-east London, this eye-catching house overlooks an area of woodland called the Albion Millennium Green.
The Tree House was designed by architect Ian McChesney. Naturally, this setting informed the design of the building, which is clad in black glass. _______
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Caption: In his proposal for the house, McChesney wrote that "the reflections of foliage can be seen in the black glass façade, giving the building a lucid quality and helping it blend into its surroundings."
The inky, glossy façade reflects the trees and the gardens and the sky. A building that might have felt stark in a different location is instead softened by the foliage that envelops it. _______
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Caption: This alone would make The Tree House an exciting find, but the interior is no less impressive. The main living space is drenched in light from the iroko-framed floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides.
The Dik Guerts wood-burning stove provides definition to the open plan space, separating one seating area from another. _______
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Caption: The living space flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen area, although sliding pocket doors separate these spaces if desired. _______
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Caption: The 'zig-zag' oak staircase is lit from above by frameless glass skylights and clerestory glazing. It's such a striking feature within this space.
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Caption: Crisp detailing highlights the crafted quality of this house.
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Caption: The upper level includes four bedrooms that overlook the woodland. With so much natural light, this must be such an uplifting space to live in.
Caption: The Tree House also packs an eco punch, having achieved a four-star rating under the Code for Sustainable Homes thanks largely to its outstanding energy efficiency. _______
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Caption: All good architecture should embrace its location, but this house does so in an unexpected way, not simply with views and the sympathetic materials you might expect, but by using a material that quite literally blends The Tree House into its setting.
The name says it all. _______ ALL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE MODERN HOUSE
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Caption: The Tree House is being marketed by The Modern House.
For more details, see this property's listing: themodernhouse.net/sales-list/the-tree-house-london-se26/description/
Follow The Modern House on Twitter @The_ModernHouse
Follow The Modern House on Instagram: instagram.com/themodernhouse _______