2 Willow Road by Erno Goldfinger
Ernö Goldfinger’s 2 Willow Road was always intended to be a family home. The Goldfingers initially wanted to buy the site of 2 Willow Road as an investment and a chance to demonstrate his skill and vision as an architect. As in the case of other modernist houses of that period, it was characterized by strong, clean lines, exposed reinforced concrete columns considered to be the frame of the building, as well as a series of continuous windows on the first floor.[1]
Despite the exposed columns and concrete frame that would become representative of Goldfinger’s architectural style, he did not throw away the tradition of classical architecture in which he had trained. Goldfinger explained that very little concrete would evident from the outside that it would conform to the surroundings and tradition of Georgian buildings in London. Especially noteworthy are the innovative techniques for maximizing space in the house. Flexible partitions allow the space to be easily divided into a multipurpose area. A typical example is a folding screen that separates his wife’s art studio from the dining room, which operates on a floor-to-ceiling piano hinge, thus eliminating any requirement for a track.[2]
The majority of the furnishings for the house were designed by Goldfinger, including an innovative desk with horizontally swivelling drawers, bookshelves, and even door handles. The rectangular desk is reminiscent of the architectural features of the building itself. It combines traditional wood tops and black plastic laminates, which represent a fusion of old and new. As well, the simplicity, functionality, and shape of the building’s exterior are also reflected in the desk’s design as the desk is very simple in shape but boasts an iconic swivelling drawer that mimics the flexible partitions of the interiors.[3]
[1] 2 willow road. National Trust. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/2-willow-road.
[2] 2 willow road. 2 Willow Road – Designing Buildings. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/2_Willow_Road.
[3] Trust, N. (n.d.). Pedestal desk 112475. National Trust. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/112475.