Spence House
Designed by John Pardy Architects

LOOKING AT THE main elevation from the shores of the river, it is easy to see Spence's original abstract composition of planes, cantilevers and volumes, and to feel that any addition would unbalance it. This addition however is apparently where Spence himself planned one, set well back from the main body of the house, and designed in a way that is neither slavish copy nor painful contrast to Spence's work. Self-effacing respect for another's work, without parody or debasement, is a finely judged act as legitimate as working in, say, the Arts & Crafts or Gothic or Classical languages.

The architect has succeeded here to a high degree, leaving a highly satisfied client and a building that will last much longer than its original form and detailing would have allowed. The present owner is a most appreciative and discerning admirer of Spence who approached the enlargement of the house with great care.

The Spence house is quintessentially 1960's - geometric, srip windows, flat roof and open plan and owes its form to the Scandinavian modernism much admired by Spence for its empathy with nature. The brief was to extend the house sympathetically without overshadowing the original. The extension is designed as a private wing for the owner and his young children. It provides two bedrooms and a large bathroom but the ambition was to celebrate the sunrise and the spectacular view down-river. This addition is apparently where Spence himself once planned one, set well back from the main body of the house.