This project comprises a private house situated within the Mayfair Conservation Area, which is part conversion of an 18th century public house, and part new build, backing onto Red Lion Court. The new build element facing Curzon Street takes inspiration from a nearby building covered in Virginia Creeper, and is a contemporary interpretation of leaves expressed as a bespoke metallic shingle.

Over a three year period of research and development with Swiss manufacturer Tuchschmid – who we had successfully collaborated with on previous projects – we addressed issues surrounding the leaf façade, such as minimal fixings which were concealed once the full installation was complete, maintenance and longevity as well as the overall aesthetic. Several iterations of leaf shape and size were explored before we settled on the final design and colour palette, having interrogated a full size mock up.

The individually hand applied autumn hued leaves cover a three storey elevation and rooftop pavilion. Each element is formed from polyester powder coated (PPC) and folded aluminium – 4,080 in total – which subtly vary in tones of bronze to mimic organic growth patterns.

The Mayfair House was published around the world including features in Vogue, Dezeen and Frame, and Westminster City Council described the design as 'raising the bar for design within the borough', The project won the Individual House category at the 2014 Schueco Excellence Awards for Design and Innovation and the façade was the Supreme Overall Winner the Surface Design Awards in 2013