Chesterton Road
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
£975,000
Freehold
Architect: Marcial Echenique
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“Gently filtered by the mature trees outside, the light that enters through the double-height glazing is sublime”
Found in the heart of the city, this singular Grade II-listed modernist home was designed in the 1970s by Cambridge University academic professor Marcial Echnique as his family home. Paying homage to Walter Segal's methods of construction, the four-bedroom house was an academic exercise in timber construction methods, where pre-formed components were fitted together on site. The plan centres around a spectacular double-height reception hall with glass-paned external walls that beckon in beautiful south-facing light.
History
Beyond his educational impact, Echenique played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Department of Architecture during a critical period in the 1990s. Facing potential closure due to financial difficulties and declining student numbers, Echenique’s leadership and vision were instrumental in restructuring the department, enhancing its reputation, and securing its future. In recognition of these efforts and his broader contributions to urban planning, Echenique was awarded an OBE in 2009.
Echenique’s influence extends globally, with his research on integrating transportation systems with urban development shaping sustainable cities like London, Santiago, and Bogotá. His time at Cambridge also led to an unexpected discovery when he and his students uncovered World War II bunkers and defense structures during a construction project. This finding added historical significance to the site and underscored Echenique’s interdisciplinary approach, where the past and future are thoughtfully interconnected. His legacy continues to impact the future of urban planning, emphasising efficiency, sustainability, and livability in city development.
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