Architects CLT Self-Build: From Dilapidated Garage to Sustainable Modern Home with Park Views

London-based architect James Davies, founder of Paper House Project, purchased a dilapidated garage site in Stoke Newington, North London. Over the course of four years, he alongside his partner Sophie, painstakingly transformed it into a home that now thoughtfully marries quiet modernity with low-impact living.

Carefully configured to ensure that every usable space connects with natural light and outdoor areas, the house unfolds through double-height volumes and considered spatial planning. The interiors are refined and modern—designed to support the rhythms of daily life while fostering a quiet connection to nature, with views across the neighbouring Butterfield Green.

The home has recently been awarded a 97 (A) EPC rating, one of the highest achieved by a new-build in London - underscoring its exceptional energy performance. A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system ensures a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, complemented by an air source heat pump that draws warmth from the outside air. Solar panels generate on-site renewable energy, feeding surplus power back into the grid. The prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) superstructure, paired with triple-glazed windows and a highly insulated, airtight envelope, all work together to dramatically reduce energy consumption while maximising comfort.

The home is currently For Sale through Aucoot. Email sales@aucoot.com for more details.

Film by Rob Crawford.
Archival photos and drone footage courtesy of James Davies & Billy Bolton.

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