This project for Frances and John Sorrell, formerly Chairman of the Design Council, was completed in August 2000 after Eldridge London successfully obtained a planning consent for a strongly contemporary design within the Highgate Conservation Area. The design wraps a series of new extensions around the core of an existing 1950s detached house supplementing the original ground floor area with three double-height, predominantly glazed volumes to create extended living accommodation and a dramatic new entrance to the house. At high level, a complete floor of accommodation is added in place of the existing pitched roof forming an expansive new studio space and opening up views south over the city. The shifting transparent and reflective qualities of the frameless glazed strip that addresses the street allows the top floor to float above the rest of the house dissolving on occasions into the sky. The project won a Royal Institute of British Architects Award in 2001 and was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. The RIBA awards jury described The Lawns :“as an exemplary example of how the 21st century house can be incorporated into historic conservation areas as part of the continuing evolution of domestic architecture. It should also inspire other clients and architects to positively confront the challenges of the UK planning process.” The Lawns also won a Civic Trust Award and Camden Design Award in 2002.