The extensive portfolio of Manser Medal-winning architects, Knox Bhavan, has a notable thread of virtues that run through each project; that of the love of materials, simplicity of form, sensitivity to the environment, and detail in workmanship. In this 19th-century townhouse on the borders of Camberwell and Peckham, the architects have added to those qualities with considered preservation of historical aspects and joyful elements in palette and spatial interaction.
The house is situated at the quiet midpoint of Bushey Hill Road, among the handsome terraces of substantial Victorian houses between Camberwell Grove and Bellenden Road. Its front facade is traditional and subtle, set back from the pavement behind a shaped bay tree and a wall of wisteria that climbs above the first floor windows, making its gorgeous lilac exclamation in early spring.
This particular style of house offers an unusually wide plan; almost six metres across, with excellent volume throughout. A generous hallway, filled with light from transom windows, sidelites and glazed panels makes an impactful entrance. This is the first indication of the preserved; modillion and ornate ceiling roses three metres above.