Spruce House, London E17

Rhythmically composed, this remarkable house in Walthamstow’s Orford Road conservation area was created by and for the owners of architecture practice ao-ft. Its striking Siberian larch was designed to loosely resemble a shop frontage, a nod to the quiet road in front, which once served as the village high street. Inside are bright, interconnected spaces, while outside lies a whimsically landscaped garden and a separate, spacious studio as considered as the home itself.



The House



Occupying an infill site, the house (which was built largely using cross-laminated timber) is the ingenious creation of London-based practice ao-ft. It represents the firm’s interest in sustainable construction and fabrication, creating a home shaped by natural materials and connections with nature.



It occupies a wide plot, next to houses that once served as shops along the high street. In light of this, the practice sought to create an interpretation of the traditional ‘shop frontage’, layering slim timber battens and mullions on the ground and first floors. Inside, the plan adopts the traditional Victorian terraced footprint while creating a sense of openness and flow. The result is a home that shows a deep understanding of the local vernacular, showcasing its merits with playful flair.



The house has been featured in several publications, including the Architects’ Journal and Dezeen. In 2023, we made a short film about designing and living in Spruce House.



The Tour



A neat hedgerow delineates the front of the house from the street in front. Its front door, concealed amid rows of timber battens, opens to the open-plan living space, where an unobstructed line of sight extends through the plan, right the way out to the garden. Spruce lines the walls and ceilings, and has been used to create subtle, built-in storage. At the front, a quartet of windows rests above a concrete base.



This part of the home is wonderfully versatile. At the furthest end of the ground floor is the kitchen, with its birch units, smooth stainless steel counters, and cleverly concealed appliances. Beyond is a dining area, with a built-in concrete bench and tall, dual-aspect windows to the garden. Further polished concrete grounds underfoot.



The bespoke staircase, with a neat WC concealed beneath, ascends to the first floor, where there are two bedrooms, both with the home’s signature spruce joinery. Built-in shutters create an utterly serene sleeping space. There is also a bathroom on this floor, finished with striking terrazzo.



The principal suite occupies the top floor and is an elegant and peaceful space with a wall of wardrobes and a wide window overlooking the garden. Tucked around a spruce dividing wall is an en suite shower room adorned with the same terrazzo as the bathroom below.



Outdoor Space



One of the practice’s key initiatives in designing the house was integrating it fully with its garden. The resulting space is one as carefully considered as the home itself, where year-round greenery, including Amelanchier trees, fragrant jasmine and heavenly bamboo is thoughtfully balanced with areas to sit and relax.



A contemporary workspace, finished in the same style as the main house, sits surrounded by greenery in the garden. Very much an extension of the home, it has a flexible design and would suit use as a studio as much as a reading retreat nestled amid established plantings.



The Area



Spruce House is moments from Orford Road, which is home to an outpost of The Good Egg @ Eat-17, bar hometipple, Pavement, and several bakeries and places to eat and drink, including the Queen’s Arms. Other local favourite restaurants include Yard Sale Pizza, Etles Uyghur (famous for its dumplings and hand-pulled noodles), and Comalera.



Within easy reach is East of Eden, a much-loved yoga, Pilates, barre and spin studio. Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a refurbished Victorian music hall, is also close and runs a programme of international comedy, theatre and cabaret from the owner of Soho Theatre.



Nearby Lloyd Park is equipped with tennis courts, an outdoor gym, and a lively Saturday market with a range of high-quality produce and street food. The William Morris Gallery is set within the park and houses the largest collection of designs by its Arts and Crafts namesake. Walthamstow Wetlands is a short distance away and is home to 10 reservoirs.



Walthamstow Central station is a 13-minute walk away and runs the Victoria line. Wood Street and Walthamstow Queen’s Road are a 14 and 19-minute walk away respectively and run Overground services. There is also easy access by car to the A1 and M11.



Council Tax Band: D