This house was constructed by the current owner using the ‘Segal Method’ in the 1970s.

Walter Segal was a visionary architect, born in Switzerland, who devised a method of building that allowed for less skilled people to construct buildings by eliminating the need for various processes such as brick building. Using a modular, timber-frame system, the houses are adaptable and easy to maintain. For Wikipedia information on the Segal Method please clickhere.

Walter Segal trained in Berlin, a city that was at the forefront of Modernism in architecture, and moved to London in 1936. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, that Segal began to gain recognition for his ideas and methods. Today, Segal’s reputation continues to rise not least because of his environmentally friendly approach to building. Segal himself was much influenced by the egalitarian principles of William Morris, as well as the early Modernists. “The buildings of the International Style”, wrote Segal, “ were by definition unassuming… They were meant to promote wellbeing”. Segal was also inspired by traditional building principles, particularly those of Japan. Colin Ward, in an essay on Segal, noted, “in his life, as well as his work, he tried to pare away the superfluous and concentrate on the important”.

‘Segal Method’ houses can be found across the UK and the house being offered for sale is one of two on Elstree Hill.