A Modern Haven for Multigenerational Living
Nestled within a small corner plot in Surrey, UK, Butterfly House is a new compact home designed by Oliver Leech Architects to support multigenerational living. This future-proofed home enables a family member to reside within the plot of an existing family home. Positioned in the southern tip of the main house’s garden, the new structure occupies a small triangular corner, constrained on two sides.
The interior boasts a large open-plan living space, while the exterior is wrapped in burnt Japanese timber cladding that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding trees. The spaces are unified through a restrained material palette, featuring polished concrete floors and pale clay plaster walls, which tie the spaces together and highlight the ceiling structure. In contrast to the dark exterior, the interior finishes evoke a muted, calm mood, serving as a backdrop to the warm, rich tones of the larch and oak joinery.
Material simplicity extends into the two bathrooms, each illuminated by openable Velux skylights. Mirrors reflect the greenery outside, enhancing the interior’s connection to nature. The inclusion of the Val washbasin and Pro WC adds an understated elegance to the bathroom design. Popular with architects and designers across the world, the Val collection, designed by Konstantin Grcic, features simple architectural lines, extremely narrow edges with fine surface structures and includes washbasins, WCs, trays, and bathtubs.
Architect and Interior Designer: Oliver Leech Architects
Principal Contractor: Trace Design& Build Ltd
Photography: Ståle Eriksen
