Couldn’t build higher. His Dugout backyard home grew upside-down

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ม.ค. 2023
  • When David Hills and Deborah Saunt began plans to build a home in the backyard of a 19th-century house in London they had a height limit, so they decided to bury half the house underground. They also used mirrors as cladding to help hide the home, reflecting the surrounding vegetation instead.
    Their home in Clapham Old Town is in a conservation area, surrounded by 23 neighbors who once overlooked the overgrown garden of sycamores and ivy. In order to replicate that lush environment, they planted a green roof, and Hills and Saunt designed a green roof with drought-tolerant sedum plants, which require only a very thin buildup and promote wildlife. They also planted new trees, like mulberry, around the home.
    To create a secure and simple structure for an underground home, they started with a concrete box. “We dug a big hole to build the house in. It’s just a square box. That’s also cheaper. Every time you have to push in and out, then you’re building really complicated shuttering. So when you go down, the simpler you can make it, the better.”
    Wanting as much daylight as possible, they dug sunken courtyards around the home to act as lightwells for the downstairs. Upstairs they used skylights and strategically-placed windows (to protect the neighbors’ privacy and theirs) to keep artificial light to a minimum.
    With half the home underground, the earth helps maintain a stable temperature, but there’s a heat recovery system when heating is necessary. Rooftop solar thermal panels heat the home’s water.
    On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/coul...
  • แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต

ความคิดเห็น • 429

  • @victoriarawlings689
    @victoriarawlings689 ปีที่แล้ว +218

    For info in response to comments about the trees - sycamores are invasive in the UK and crowd out native species and do not support much wildlife. The native planting and green roof will provide homes for much needed insects in the city (for birds) - I love this house - an architects own home is bound to be full of thought and consideration 👏

    • @saal0
      @saal0 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      people talking about the local sycamores as if they don't import hardwood from the tropics

    • @WestVirginia1959
      @WestVirginia1959 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Sycamores are messy trees whose leaves will cover other plants and kill them. We aren't talking about a mighty Oak people, we are talking about a messy, invasive tree.

  • @samipso
    @samipso ปีที่แล้ว +42

    As an introvert myself, a place tucked away like that with a cosy underground section that's still connected to the outside is just perfection.
    Didn't think much of the overall design at first, but the more they walked around talking about all the little details the more I just started to see how it's just really works perfectly within the constraints set by the planners but also by the owner.
    I think houses designed like this tend to be very large and spacious, but this one feels like a cosy family home.

  • @darrenleigh201
    @darrenleigh201 ปีที่แล้ว +201

    You continue to raise the bar on showing us amazing, interesting architecture! Love this. Thank you for sharing!

  • @scottburbank3313
    @scottburbank3313 ปีที่แล้ว +183

    Why more homes aren't built underground I don't understand. This family has a house that is quiet, open with a sense of space and is full of light and brightness There is seemingly no drawback. I love it.

    • @philanders3705
      @philanders3705 ปีที่แล้ว +72

      Depending on the location you could end up with unmanageable ground water seepage. Other than that it's a great idea. I've dreamed of a secret underground bunker since I was a little boy. Haha

    • @kirstendirksen
      @kirstendirksen  ปีที่แล้ว +85

      They do have a sump pump under the bottom floor.

    • @waveydavie
      @waveydavie ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My memory may be playing tricks on me but weren't the basements of the terraced town houses in Pimlico built at ground level then the street level built up to just below ground floor level?

    • @yeahbee8237
      @yeahbee8237 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Radon?

    • @d3r4g45
      @d3r4g45 ปีที่แล้ว +38

      The reason people build under is regulation. If no regulation forces, no reason to. Building up is better in every way. It's cheaper, more light, cleaner, more air circulation, less humidity.. Only reason would be if you live in extreme climate, like very hot, so being burried underground is preferrable.

  • @canyonhaverfield2201
    @canyonhaverfield2201 ปีที่แล้ว +248

    Im aware this remark drifts from directly responding to the structure yet I was so moved by the host, as he so elegently explained his home's features. What a world we could experience if more men received encouragement to broaden their way of thinking more deeply & thoroughly about what where & how. To use their language at its best. Not to be shy to speak from the heart & deepest place regarding the explanation needed.

    • @blueman5924
      @blueman5924 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      He did mention that his father was an architect. It’s in his upbringing I suspect.

    • @AreHan1991
      @AreHan1991 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      From his language and the way he expresses himself he is obviously a well educated, upper-class man. And seems very kind and nice

    • @canyonhaverfield2201
      @canyonhaverfield2201 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@WHunt-pc4rw so what was the point of your comment. My effort was in voicing the worldwide hunger for men to become stronger at expressing from their depth.

    • @kikivolauvent1
      @kikivolauvent1 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Beautiful comment. Thank you

    • @embwee
      @embwee ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@WHunt-pc4rw Not works, but "acts," because it's learned and practiced, and not a natural phenomenon. Also, CH is advocating for a change to how the world acts--to go beyond what exists, towards what is possible.

  • @meglange3595
    @meglange3595 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    I have little appreciation for modern architecture, but this house is rather brilliant. It has it's own special character and is rather ingenious. Well done.

    • @BankruptMonkey
      @BankruptMonkey ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's one of the only modern style buildings I've seen that isn't stark, and is thoughtful about the neighbor's views. It's just so thoughtful and cozy.

  • @chloebelle4923
    @chloebelle4923 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    *GORGEOUS* ~ Intelligence, determinism & imagination save the day again! 👏👏👏

  • @ClaudiaHelmkeMiller
    @ClaudiaHelmkeMiller ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I love this gentleman’s voice and way of speaking. Such a perfect narration for the Architecturally stony London Garden Home! This home is really quite spectacular.

  • @laverite1050
    @laverite1050 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    My Grandfather had a highly prolific vegetable and fruit garden that he grew at his modest, small home in South London during WWII. It was written about in the "SO London Press" on Friday March 1,1946. It's fascinating how much he food he grew to nourish his family and others, while he served in the war as a policeman. He was assigned to all the falling bombs that had not detonated in London. Tick Tick Tick

    • @dixiechicken2643
      @dixiechicken2643 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      What an impressive man, and a crazy job to go to every morning. You certainly wouldn't be sure of coming home each evening. That garden must have helped to keep him not just fed but sane too.

    • @laverite1050
      @laverite1050 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ​@@dixiechicken2643 Yes it did keep him sane. You are an intuitive person.

    • @karmaoutlaw
      @karmaoutlaw ปีที่แล้ว

      🌱🌱👍

    • @missinformed9550
      @missinformed9550 ปีที่แล้ว

      Victory garden.

    • @seattlegirl2077
      @seattlegirl2077 ปีที่แล้ว

      Really interesting. Thank you.

  • @jasonchristenson1
    @jasonchristenson1 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I dig this groovy abode. I can see that they have a true affiinity for modernism.

  • @lydiarowe491
    @lydiarowe491 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    A home that has all the attention to detail..encompassing the natural light and truly working with the space to allow the garden and sky to be a total aspect of what was achieved….loved it all..thank you..the owner completed this offering ….😊

  • @vickiwalker3486
    @vickiwalker3486 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Wow! Kirsten and co. do a brilliant job uncovering super creative housing. I love this TH-cam channel!!!

  • @BladeStar420
    @BladeStar420 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This show is like national geographic but for people. It's really grown on me and changed my life honestly since I started watching so many years ago. I'm planning on going vanlife in my downsizing, minimizing journey.

  • @SiarlW
    @SiarlW ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Beautiful, thoughtfully designed home and gardens. Amazing how “limitations” produced such opportunities for an exceptional building. Enjoyed Mr. Hill’s calm voice and eloquent presentation as well. I was particularly struck by their artful use of lighting. Intriguing to hear of their friend’s candlelit home without electrical lighting. That would be wonderful to visit as well.

    • @eleanorcramer7986
      @eleanorcramer7986 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Incredible Tiny House builder RANDY JONES in Tennessee say “their insulated panel homes can be heated with a candle and cooled with an ice cube.” His scope is affordable housing including off grid features. I suggest people look them up. He is a funny guy who is developing communities for the multitudes seeking low cost and quality living.

  • @StephBer1
    @StephBer1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love the natural light in the house but especially the hidden storage. There is so much wasted space in house walls. We're downsizing to a smaller house which we've already bought and the entryway and dining room have large walls in them that I'm getting a carpenter in to retrofit 'invisible" cupboards into, to house all our stuff into including collections. As much as my husband loves minimalism we also have a lot of stuff which we don't want to get rid of. I can now show this to my husband to show him what I was planning because he can't visualise it. Thank you!

  • @veramentegina
    @veramentegina ปีที่แล้ว +16

    all the respect for this wonderful narrator, owner.. Love the house and its brilliant architecture and his respect for his surroundings.

  • @riftalope
    @riftalope ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love the way space is played with. The smallest area seems wide.

  • @rickallman1318
    @rickallman1318 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This guy is an ideal neighbor!

  • @Nerd3927
    @Nerd3927 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I do not like modern homes, but this one I love! Wonderful job! Very well thought out!

    • @Jayapullani
      @Jayapullani ปีที่แล้ว

      It is interesting especially some of the well thought out innovations, but prefer the pink house next door :-) .

    • @eleanorcramer7986
      @eleanorcramer7986 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes there is much to appreciate for comfort and magic with reflections of nature.

  • @dwylhq874
    @dwylhq874 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    Really curious exactly how they insulated this to avoid damp/humidity. We are planning something similar but very concerned that builders won’t know how to do it properly. 💭

    • @blueman5924
      @blueman5924 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Expertly placed membranes and drainage.

    • @TheFunkybert
      @TheFunkybert ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Fresh air and breathable interiors is what prevents mold and mildew

    • @mowcius
      @mowcius ปีที่แล้ว +9

      In any modern build your MVHR system is likely to be one of the most important aspects determining the quality of environment you end up with.
      As people's knowledge of these kind of systems is often pretty limited, I'd recommend a dedicated contractor to handle this aspect of the build.

  • @oyajiblues
    @oyajiblues ปีที่แล้ว

    Reguardless of your subject, you bring them to me as they are and then let them show themselves. Wonderful. This guy was interesting for sure, but could easily come off as an English bore. But indeed he was not, he so enjoyed showing off and being proud. Presented clearly to me. I could live there. So nice.

  • @collinmoeller1345
    @collinmoeller1345 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Such a great home. Felt cozy, warm, and bright even amidst overcast dreary weather. Mirrors, flush doors & cabinets, and use of angles for optimal light is amazing.

  • @tiffinypie
    @tiffinypie ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love this house! The layout, the natural light that comes in and the lush green garden. It's a plus that in my book that it's off the street. Clean lines in the kitchen. The cook top blew my mind 🤯 I hate handles too 😒

  • @nancyspringston8547
    @nancyspringston8547 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Oh how I love this home, and everything about it. We have a walk-out basement in our home and every room has windows, and we walk into the back yard through glass doors. So, this design is absolutely perfect for living partially below ground and not feeling at all like it. If we every build another home, this would be my inspiration. Beautiful and thank you for sharing it

  • @Sassyglbeauty
    @Sassyglbeauty 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really hope someone preserves all of the work of this channel. It’s such an amazing collection of interesting architectural histories.

  • @christielee1840
    @christielee1840 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fantastic intro for guidelines!❤🎉❤ 😊 love it!

  • @doityourselfdiva6001
    @doityourselfdiva6001 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love this home! How is it that the underground home is brighter than the above ground homes? The skylights make all the difference. The only thing I would change would be the lack of color. I could definitely live in this home, but I would decorate with more color and art. The home owner could be a host of his own show, his voice is so soothing.😊

    • @deekang6244
      @deekang6244 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can color the concrete. It’s an extra expense, but possible. I’ve seen some very interesting concrete treatments. It’s done as part of the pour, not a surface treatment.
      And, you could put something in to hang paintings, etc, if you wish. (I would - I’m an artist and I have a small collection that is important to me.)
      Also - Accent walls.

  • @brettwebb4613
    @brettwebb4613 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is a fantastic house I love it. I also love your channel. The use of mirrors and angles are brilliant

  • @Robert8455
    @Robert8455 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    At first I did not think I would like it but the more I watched the more I appreciated all the different designs and the limitations he had to work with. Its very impressive. I didn't notice or see any HVAC. I'd also be a bit concerned about underground space becoming flooded or having a lot of moisture. The trickery with reflection gives this a very unique appearance. Thanks for showing us this property.

  • @pavloma6836
    @pavloma6836 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Simply perfect!

  • @janel4582
    @janel4582 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love how this house hasn't been staged for this video, you get a real sense of life. I think this house was on an episode of Grand Designs, no? Stunning!

  • @Tonezinator
    @Tonezinator ปีที่แล้ว +1

    YIKES. Looking forward to your LA container home rental.

  • @NHWildlife
    @NHWildlife ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The best channel on TH-cam with another unique house!

  • @oldnewsclipster
    @oldnewsclipster ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've been watching your videos for years, and they just get better and better. THANK YOU!!!!!

  • @dubs31
    @dubs31 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Lots of food for thought taken away from this one...Thanks very much for sharing.

  • @mariliagiannini4554
    @mariliagiannini4554 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the idea of mirrors on the corners! Beautiful house. Thank you 💐

  • @YouCanCallMeChrys
    @YouCanCallMeChrys ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this home. Love how hidden it is! And love the garden.

  • @mwmentor
    @mwmentor ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Awesome house - really nice design features... right down to the east facing window on the ground floor... Thanks to you and the owners for generously sharing it with us. 🙂

  • @in2biz160
    @in2biz160 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always find some peace watching your work. You beautifully enable others to share their story’s

  • @timsagitoff
    @timsagitoff ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thanx for this episode! David is a really great storyteller)

  • @inthechairwithcloochy8102
    @inthechairwithcloochy8102 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fox walking for the first time is EVERYTHING!!! XOX From Ireland

  • @eleanorcramer7986
    @eleanorcramer7986 ปีที่แล้ว

    This home is a treasure for the community. Bravo! it’s simple-E genius.

  • @AzazelBathory
    @AzazelBathory ปีที่แล้ว

    I absolutely love how tucked away it is, I love walkways like that, it’s so cozy and secure feeling

  • @RVBadlands2015
    @RVBadlands2015 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love all the light in this home.

  • @zukzworld
    @zukzworld ปีที่แล้ว

    This house, the whole concept of living in this place … is really really amazing! Yes, an architect’s marvelous creation.

  • @SoCalFreelance
    @SoCalFreelance ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yeah, Londoners expanding their living space underground has been a hot architectural topic for several years during the real estate boom, especially for billionaire homes, For them it's almost like a competition to design the most elaborate underground spaces.

  • @playgemji
    @playgemji ปีที่แล้ว

    A fine piece of architecture, for sure. Thank you for filming it.

  • @bdmenne
    @bdmenne ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well done documenting this.

  • @carmenortiz5294
    @carmenortiz5294 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of the most interesting homes I have ever seen!

  • @dottiebaker6623
    @dottiebaker6623 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Recently, I've been dreaming about building a house that also serve as way to track the solstices, equinoxes and positions of the stars and constellations. Love that small window whose light allows you to track the hours of the day!

  • @mimalemonclock
    @mimalemonclock ปีที่แล้ว

    I LOVE this house and maybe even more some of the amazing furniture!!! Wow🎉🎉🎉

  • @nataliapieta
    @nataliapieta ปีที่แล้ว +1

    it is an amazing house. Thanks for sharing it!

  • @wilsonmaghari4492
    @wilsonmaghari4492 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    WOW! LOVE IT. ❤❤❤

  • @PavolCeluch
    @PavolCeluch ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love all the decisions about the light that went into this house.

  • @JacquelineHahn1
    @JacquelineHahn1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So very clever and so very liveable. I would have been tempted to put a veggie garden on the roof

  • @sabrinawanderer7560
    @sabrinawanderer7560 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this neighbourhood.... They have many trees around their houses... It's good to see green living plants rather than boring big lawns and unfriendly bald of life places that are irritating to the eyes... I love houses that co-exist with trees...

  • @economieliberale5189
    @economieliberale5189 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this style of hidden house with small alleys that only the owner knows to access the house.

  • @debbralehrman5957
    @debbralehrman5957 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    People are getting so creative with their spaces.

  • @jozefkovac6858
    @jozefkovac6858 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Superb and stunning!

  • @Mr1drumlover
    @Mr1drumlover 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Absolutely brilliant!

  • @sherrystone3307
    @sherrystone3307 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this house !!! Thank you so much

  • @briancotten9245
    @briancotten9245 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a uniquely simple and beautiful home!

  • @monosagitario
    @monosagitario ปีที่แล้ว

    What a gem! One of the best house I've seen on your channel!

  • @loriturner609
    @loriturner609 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This house is inspirational! Thanks for another glimpse into a creative, thoughtful home. I love how they worked with their limitations. I believe the best ideas come from that place. The more I learn about how traditional homes are currently built (in the US) the less likely I am to buy one, and every time I watch one of these video tours I am more inspired to build my own! 🏠

  • @nuzinuz6627
    @nuzinuz6627 ปีที่แล้ว

    hmm nice inspar. again thank you ms.Dirksen

  • @qutbuddin_aibaq7584
    @qutbuddin_aibaq7584 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a beautiful house and so much thought has been put to everything... I love it... Its like a behance render project.

  • @shoshannafachima1306
    @shoshannafachima1306 ปีที่แล้ว

    This home is absolutely extraordinary and beautifully planned and designed

  • @chrisbrendandavis
    @chrisbrendandavis ปีที่แล้ว

    Kirsten, another great video. Giving me tons of great ideas for my future home!

  • @donwyates
    @donwyates ปีที่แล้ว

    Very cool find! Lovely house. To me, there's a real juxtaposition there; the aerial view with surrounding properties gave me a somewhat claustrophobic feeling, but the "feel" of the house and property is open & spacious.
    I just love this channel - I'm always amazed by what y'all find.

  • @windrider5845
    @windrider5845 ปีที่แล้ว

    LOVE this house!! ❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @caraalex7880
    @caraalex7880 ปีที่แล้ว

    Magnificent design!!! Cheers from Canada!

  • @emilie658
    @emilie658 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful!

  • @kylieharrison3782
    @kylieharrison3782 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This house reminds me of a vintage candy box or a box of mixed saved pre-used buttons. A treasury of sensory delights to be explored...

  • @ko6el
    @ko6el ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done Mrs Architect ✨
    Love the low lighting an ongoing battle with offspring.. reaches for overhead light
    Me..Stop

  • @nofurtherwest3474
    @nofurtherwest3474 ปีที่แล้ว

    There's a lovely bit at the very end where you opens the door to the patio. I wish that outdoor space had been explored more.

  • @ScottJWaldron
    @ScottJWaldron ปีที่แล้ว

    A fantastic and novel building made to work with the available land! Great job on the video.

  • @My-Hero-
    @My-Hero- 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very nice home with meaningful design.

  • @differentgenx
    @differentgenx ปีที่แล้ว +1

    love that house - its so calm

  • @margaretjames6611
    @margaretjames6611 ปีที่แล้ว

    This house is timeless..

  • @beehive5835
    @beehive5835 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful result!

  • @cyberviking001
    @cyberviking001 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing house, thank you

  • @MichaelNatrin
    @MichaelNatrin ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic video & beautiful, innovative home.

  • @wifi2118
    @wifi2118 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful and creative.

  • @bps3013
    @bps3013 ปีที่แล้ว

    The indoor lighting scheme is brilliant, would have loved to have seen it on display after dark!

  • @RokDAWG1
    @RokDAWG1 ปีที่แล้ว

    …and just like that my mind is blown and I love it!

  • @guillermo.gonzalez
    @guillermo.gonzalez ปีที่แล้ว

    I just love it, looks lovely to live in London

  • @FrisellFan01
    @FrisellFan01 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well, I lot of thought went into this place and it's wonderful home......I like it

  • @slowjoy9
    @slowjoy9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bravo. Perfection

  • @snowwhite-jt9cj
    @snowwhite-jt9cj ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful design..... build more lights/space/garden in city living 🌞

  • @shlby69m
    @shlby69m ปีที่แล้ว

    I applaud the Architect(s) & choices for natural elements. This is a Fr. Lloyd Wright-esk level Beauty!

  • @WestVirginia1959
    @WestVirginia1959 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful

  • @starnejme6902
    @starnejme6902 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful home.

  • @kokohead333
    @kokohead333 ปีที่แล้ว

    stunning!

  • @Brian-os9qj
    @Brian-os9qj 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Spectacular, unique & unexpected components

  • @ltandrepants
    @ltandrepants ปีที่แล้ว +2

    love it!

  • @T0beyeus
    @T0beyeus ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing house, very unique. I am not sure I could handle the lighting situation at night, I think I would fall asleep but I love the use of natural sunlight during the day

  • @tteokbokkisdiary
    @tteokbokkisdiary ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude i love your induction cooker.

  • @bloomon40
    @bloomon40 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’m ready to move in 😊 What an exceptional home!

  • @danithaman4610
    @danithaman4610 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful house

  • @Grateful.For.Everything
    @Grateful.For.Everything 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very Cool!