Open House 2019 - contemporary extensions must see!

September is an exciting time of year to be in London as Open House allows you to visit some of London’s best architecture on the weekend of the 21/22^ndSeptember.  Buildings and houses are open across London’s boroughs.  As an architect based in Teddington top of my list are some of the fantastic homes from Richmond to right across London to see some of London’s best home extensions and conversions.  There is so much on it’s hard to choose, so put the date in the diary and here are my top recommendations to visit this year to get some inspiring for your home build extension or new build.

Kew House by Piercy Conner is definitely number one my list to see of new build houses in London.  We were lucky enough a few years back to go to the ‘Man about the House’ event held there as part of the festival of architecture and got a sneak peek at its stunning, corten skin perforated with tiny dots to flood the inside with a dappled light.  The form of the building echo’s the local vernacular with two traditional pitch roofs raised up to form a striking, glowing rusted skin beautifully connected a crafted, glass link with stair between the two wings.  Clever design of the plan in a tight site allows for a top lit, internal play area to the whole of the basement accessed by a slide (or stair if you’re not feeling brave!).  In this playful space is also a swing – why not!, and a fantastically soft, springy floor and workshop area. Open this year on Saturday 21^stSeptember.  The living room curved ceiling reaching up to the light is stunning and fantastic to see.

Remember Grand Designs back in 2006 the stunning 15 and a half Consort Road by Richard Paxton Architects with its sliding automatic rooflight to create a terrace when open and dining room when shut? – love it! Definitely worth the trip to Peckham. On the way stop at 15b Herne Hill Road by Colin MacInnes to see an inspiring conversion constructed with recycled materials – it looks amazing and is completely bespoke.

Heading south, do go see David Stanley and Romy Grabosch’s house at 99 John Ruskin Street – it’s timber lined vaulted ceiling is just stunning.  If you want to go north, head to Architecture for London’s Dartmouth Park House, with it’s sleak lines and proportions I am very envious of.  

And finally, not strictly a house but I spend a huge amount of time there, come along to where I work at the Boathouse House Design Studios. There you can combine architecture, river views and coffee. MAA and Outerspace converted the 1850’s boathouse into an inspiring workspace, to allow small companies  like mine to co-work and collaborate.  The fantastic space and location are well worth a visit. 

Don’t forget that London Design Week is on at the same time, running from the 14-22^ndSeptember with inspiring buildings, events and inspiration across the design spectrum.  Make sure you see the fantastically names Disco Carbonara by Martino Gamperin the beautifully elegant Heatherwick Coal Drop Yard KingsX.  Then, feet up at "Please be seated" by Paul Cocksedge and you are done!

Images from London Design Week website and Open House – see websites for more details.

I can't believe it's two years since we opened our doors in Kingston to our Light Play extension - we will have to do it again soon!  Have a great weekend on the 21st.

Sophie Bates Architects Light Play Open House 2017.