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The Library House, Hackney

Macdonald Wright Architects' small but perfectly formed home meets all the RIBA’s 2030 energy targets – it is inspirational

The Library House.
The Library House. Credit: Heiko Prigge

Macdonald Wright Architects for private client
Contract value: Confidential  
GIA: 84m²

This is a small but perfectly formed home. The exterior effortlessly references the neighbouring Edwin Cooper’s Library and adjacent terraces. The architect, who was also the client, has paid exceptional attention to detail, from physical to operational.  The materials chosen are robust and textural, designed to be easy to maintain between tenants.

Despite being only 4m wide it feels spacious with semi-circular staircase library, providing both delight and function. Just inside the front door, the interior is shielded from the street by a moveable storage unit which doubles as a seat.

The house meets all the RIBA’s 2030 energy targets despite having been designed before the targets were set. It is exceptional in this regard. The post-occupancy evaluation report demonstrates the lessons learnt and proof of its operational capability. Its performance is truly inspirational. In summary, divine!

  • The Library House.
    The Library House. Credit: Heiko Prigge
  • The Library House.
    The Library House. Credit: Heiko Prigge
  • The Library House.
    The Library House. Credit: Heiko Prigge
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