Local developer Castleguard Homes approached aoft in 2021 to explore the feasibility of a restricted backland site at the end of a small lane at the back of Walthamstow Village.Originally occupied by the large rear kitchen of a double-fronted restaurant, the developer wanted to bring more housing to the neighbourhood. A mature London plane tree to the corner of the site guided the design strategy for the new-build home.The home is a single-storey, two-bedroom dwelling with level access, all within a compact 63m floor plan. Accessibility played a key role from the outset, prioritising flexibility for future adaptations.AdvertisementCorridors have been omitted to maximise space efficiency and offer smooth transitions between spaces throughout the home. The entrance sits to the centre of the plan, with a living room, kitchen, dining and bathroom all accessed off this and bookended by two bedrooms facing a courtyard garden.The house has been positioned in the north-east corner of the site to allow for a 50m garden, protecting the London plane trees roots.Internally, a hip roof creates the main focus within a L-shaped plan, developed in collaboration with ConstruktCLT. The main supporting glulam beam has been cut diagonally, inverted and embedded into the roof construction, allowing the CLT panels to the underside of the ceiling to appear unsupported.To protect the privacy of the homes inhabitants from overlooking, the faade has been extended to create a mono-pitched roof form. Windows are located higher up, giving views out to the tree foliage. This has also in turn made the courtyard into a protected enclave. A large skylight to the bathroom looks out onto neighbouring trees.The CLT structure was prefabricated offsite, dispensing with the need to shut down local streets. An air heat pump re-uses energy from exhausted air, reducing operational carbon.AdvertisementExternally, the project is clad in a dark brick, with light mortar joints to blend into its context. Deep border planting around the tree and to the front of each bedroom allow for extra privacy.Architects viewsWe wanted to maximise space and comfort within limited site constraints. Ultimately, our goal was to design a house that is generous for its occupants, but also considerate and sensitive to the needs of its neighbours.Liz Tatarintseva, director, aoftThe context guided our design process. We thought about the people who could possibly inhabit the building even before design and construction. By prioritising logistical efficiency and understanding the needs of both our client and the wider community, we made decisions that elevated the project beyond mere construction.Zach Fluker, director, aoftClients viewIdentifying this opportunity for a neighbourhood I was born in and have worked in for almost 40 years has been incredibly rewarding. My first time working on a development with CLT resulted in a home that embodies the essence of the local community open, warm and cosy. aoft has successfully created a unique space, designed sympathetically to its surroundings.Jonathan Hooker, director, Castleguard HomesProject dataStart on site March 2023CompletionMay 2024Gross internal floor area 63mGross (internal + external) floor area 103mArchitect aoftForm of contractDesign and buildExecutive architect aoftClient Castleguard HomesStructural engineer Foster StructuresLandscape consultant Saul JonesPrincipal designer aoftApproved building inspector HarwoodMain contractor ARG Building ServicesCLT contractor ConstruktCLTCAD software used AutoCAD, Rhino