Designed for a family of four, this house in Notting Hill – enclosed on three sides by the street block – has an area of 800 m2. The 40m x 15 m site allowed a 10-metre-high development. The new structure adjoins 14 neighbouring buildings with brick party walls that are not capable of bearing additional loads. As well as the structural problems this posed, questions of shading, access and overlooking had to be considered. The outcome was a wholly introverted house. Even the exposed west face is separated from the street by a closed forecourt. Three internal courtyards, as well as galleries and light wells, allow the entry of natural light and establish a link with the sky and the outside world.