Sunken House by David Adjaye
Buildings are deeply emotive structures which form our psyche. People think they’re just things they maneuver through, but the makeup of a person is influenced by the nature of spaces. – David Adjaye
Sunken House by David Adjaye Sunken House is a modern prefab home built in 2007 and located in Hackney, London. The simple cube structure consists of large engineered timber panels manufactured off-site and installed in about a week. This prefab element not only kept the construction costs down but also allowed the construction to be completed in an impressive one week timeframe. The facades of the home are clad in a cedar rain screen, creating the impression of a continuous surface that embraces the enclosed and open spaces.
The building is composed of three storeys, of which the lowest floor is partially submerged, creating a sunken kitchen, dining room and home office. Inside, the house is just as clean and minimal as it is on the outside. In addition, the upper storeys are brightly lit through long horizontal and vertical windows.
David Adjaye is a British citizen born in Tanzania to Ghanaian parents. He is most famous for his public works, such as the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, described him best, stating that “His work – deeply rooted in both the present moment and the complex context of history – has envisioned new ways for culture to be represented and reflected in the built environment”.
Adjaye won the London Design Medal and has recently received knighthood. He was also named among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2017.
Love modern architecture? Check out our 7 Best Modern Homes of All Time!
