An Architects' house

Kenneth Frampton in his preface to this book about Richard Murphy's house in the Edinburgh New Town, writes “by any standards unique and beautiful, Murphy’s Hart St. house deserves to be acknowledged as the masterpiece it is.” A project ten years in gestation from finding the site to taking up residence in 2016, the book celebrates a small house with a large agenda. The book explains the influences on Murphy from other architects and also developments from his earlier designs, a highly detailed examination of the site, not least its historic peculiarity, the development of the design showing original sketches and a tour of the housed externally and internally. There are also sections on the major influences from other architects, the way the house is designed to transform itself between winter and summer and a section entitled “smoke and mirrors” detailing the many spatial illusions in the house. The house has won many awards including the RIBA UK House of the Year Award in 2016 and was seen on the accompanying Channel4 series.

Illustrations are full colour photographs, detailed construction drawings and original sketches. It is available from 20th September, 2026.

Critics have said of the house:

“Murphy has concocted a three-dimensional spatial riddle that speaks of a lifetime of coming up with ingenious solutions to tight historic contexts, carving out a richly layered world that revels in its playful architectural tricks.” Oliver Wainright, the Guardian

“Underneath all the serious architectural intent, this home is fun.” Rory Olcayto, Architects’ Journal

“It confronts head-on issues of building in a World Heritage Site, and all the questions arising about a contemporary contextual response.” Charlie Sutherland, Architecture Today.

“Although a small property, it was deceivingly large inside due to the clever use of space. Every room contained a surprise and the attention to detail was exceptional. A true pleasure to visit and I would imagine a lot of fun to live in.” Philip Thorn Judge of the RIBA House of the Year Competition 2016. Archdaily