Revamping Tradition: The Madeira Residence by Rado Iliev

Exploring the innovative redesign and reconstruction of a house in Bromley, South-East London

The Madeira Residence, a project by Rado Iliev, is a testament to the power of innovative design and architecture. Located in Bromley, South-East London, this project involved the redesign and reconstruction of a 60s house perched atop a hill, hidden from view by the surrounding greenery. The goal was to transform the existing house into a larger, contemporary home that was not only better integrated with the plot and surrounding greenery but also permeable and more engaged with the environment.

The new design proposal worked with the existing house footprint, splitting the original form into two simple volumes to create a passage that linked the north and south parts of the garden. A third volume was added on top, occupying most of the existing terrace. The living area was moved to the new extended upper level, which was fully glazed to take advantage of the West views and look into the crowns of the surrounding trees. The design also included a 30 m platform / terrace running through the ground floor lobby, providing a link between the South and North parts of the plot.

The contrasting materiality and transparency of the existing and added volumes are a key feature of the design. The original, white and solid, and the added, black and transparent, create a unique visual experience. The upper level living room glazing reflects the surrounding tree crowns, creating the impression that it is absorbed by the greenery, making it hard to read the exact parameter of the volume.

The Madeira Residence also showcases a gradation of spaces, from the bare concrete stair leading to the main glazed lobby door to the luxury décor and finishes in the master bedroom suite. The design also incorporates elements of fire and water to balance the areas' temperature feel. The new design provides extra space and a better quality residence that interacts with the surrounding nature, offering a more efficient and sustainable home.

The project, which took three years to complete from concept, was not without its challenges. Implementation was the hardest part, with key design decisions taking place during construction. However, the result is a testament to the architect and structural engineer's ability to think fast and resolve key details. The Madeira Residence was awarded Golden in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2015, a testament to its innovative and trendsetting design.

In conclusion, the Madeira Residence by Rado Iliev is a shining example of how innovative design and architecture can transform a traditional house into a contemporary masterpiece. It showcases the power of blending nature, light, and modern design elements to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.