When Charles Wu, a director at architecture studio Polysmiths, came to build his contemporary three-bedroom home during the pandemic, he faced a problem: conventional building materials, including concrete and plasterboard, were in short supply. Charles consequently seized the chance to work with more natural alternatives, including Douglas fir and cork. “It’s soft, warm and when the light hits it, it’s just beautiful,” he says. “And it gives the place a deep woody scent that always reminds me of home.” As the house comes on the market, Charles marvels at the magic of its fabric in our Open House film.

A few years ago, Charles began the hunt for a plot on which to create a sanctuary away from the noise of east London. His search led him to a brownfield site in Forest Gate, not too far from the green plains of Wanstead Flats. But the real beauty of this space is its remarkable position, set back from the street. Reached by walking down a private path, the quiet site is surrounded by the back gardens of 10 Victorian terraced houses. Drawing inspiration from the places he’s previously called home – Charles has lived in Hong Kong, Sydney and London – the architect set about conceiving what would soon become his “hidden cocoon”.

The three-bedroom house features windows and skylights at various levels, as well as two lightwells and courtyards with glazed bifold doors, meaning the interior spaces light up at different points throughout the day. As Charles says, “it makes you interact with the house as if it’s breathing.” The courtyards have been designed to “complete the living spaces” and, as a result, feel more like roofless rooms than gardens – even their palettes of brick and gravel speak to the tactility and tones of the cork interiors. Standing there is a reminder of the peaceful location too. “All you can see are the neighbours’ trees,” says Charles. “It’s a wonderful space to be in – and the quietness is just precious.”

Watch the film now to join Charles on a full house tour and to hear the architect discuss the nuances and intricacies of its design. As always, happy watching. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, so you can be the first to discover new episodes. If you’re interested in viewing the house for yourself, click the link below to see the sales particulars.