In England, a Couple Build a Serene Backyard Home for Aging in Place

Five years ago, geologist Nikki Earthrowl and her husband, Richard, approached architect Oliver Leech with an idea firmly planted in the future. "The brief was to create a house that would enable accessible living," Leech says.

Nikki and Richard live just outside London in the town of Esher, and they wanted to construct a home on their property where her mother could live independently and comfortably for many years to come. The dwelling would be modest in size—just two bedrooms and a compact living space—although the couple had big goals in mind and sought to prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and a forward-looking aesthetic.

"We were asked to use contemporary construction methods to produce a low-energy and sustainable house, and chose materials that would be healthy to promote well-being," says Leech.