Sailing Through Innovation: The Eco Marvel of Forest Hill’s Sail House

Architect Matthew Borowiecki has left an indelible mark on Forest Hill’s Ringmore Rise, quietly transforming the landscape with his innovative designs. From conversions to roof remodels, Borowiecki’s creative touch is evident, and the Sail House stands as a testament to his vision and foresight.

Situated on one of London’s highest peaks, the Sail House, designed by Borowiecki and his wife Lesley almost two decades ago, has become a beacon of eco-friendly architecture. Borowiecki, a former partner in a City practice specializing in large office buildings, stumbled upon the property in 2004. The modest 1940s bungalow barely visible from the road captured his imagination, and despite purchasing it without planning permission, Borowiecki saw the potential and took a chance.

The original plan involved refurbishing the bungalow or constructing a small building if the council rejected his application for a 3,000-square-foot eco house. However, fortune favored innovation, and Borowiecki’s gamble paid off, resulting in the creation of the remarkable Sail House.

Designing the layout involved a diplomatic negotiation with the Borowiecki family, particularly their three teenage children, who had a say in the number of bathrooms and the size of their bedrooms. An axis was strategically plotted at the center of the house, aligning with the breathtaking view across south London. The design centered around this spectacular view, emphasizing the lofty position of the leafy Forest Hill suburb.

To expedite the construction process, Borowiecki embraced an unconventional approach by utilizing timber-framed kit houses imported from Lithuania. This prefab method, though a prototype in the UK at the time, proved efficient, with the house taking only 18 months from site acquisition to move-in – a notable feat in the realm of architectural projects.

The Sail House is characterized by simplicity, featuring four roughly equal bedrooms on the ground floor, living spaces on the first floor (at street level), and the main bedroom and a study at the top of the house. The three stories visually appear as two due to the slope of the plot.

The west-facing plot presented a solar gain challenge, particularly in the evening. To address this, roof vents and textile shade ‘sails’ were incorporated into the design. The sails, reminiscent of ship sails, provide effective shading and are easily removable. The house’s precise east-west orientation also optimizes solar panel efficiency, generating the majority of the family’s hot water.

Prefabricated infill panels between the glulam timbers contribute to the house’s impressive insulation levels. Over almost two decades, the Sail House has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, standing resiliently against the test of time.

Now, as the Borowieckis embark on a downsize journey, Sail House has been listed for £2.65 million with Munday’s. The teenagers who once negotiated bathroom sizes have evolved into adults with families of their own, prompting the couple to make the “hard decision” to part with their capacious family home. The Sail House, a beacon of eco-innovation, stands as a living testament to Matthew Borowiecki’s architectural prowess and a symbol of sustainable living.

In the realm of Forest Hill’s architectural landscape, the Sail House remains a distinctive and eco-conscious marvel, sailing through the waves of innovation and leaving an enduring legacy.