Corner House adds all the right angles to this London terrace
An unusual mix of contemporary detailing, pared down decor, traditional brick and blind windows signal 31/44 architects' modern take on the historical Victorian terrace in South London

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Thank you for signing up to Wallpaper. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Manser Medal-winner 31/44 architects have magicked another piece of good-looking residential architecture out of an overlooked London plot. Corner House sits at the end of a Victorian terrace in a quiet part of Peckham, South London, on the site of an under-used side garden.
The new-build element comprises a 105 sq m house, while the firm has converted existing property next door into a 63 sq m ground floor flat and 71 sq m maisonette.
Rather than trumpeting its arrival with on-trend cladding, the grey London stock brickwork sits comfortably in its surroundings, and the building’s rounded corner nods to the curve of the pub opposite. And instead of a period pastiche, the detailing is pared back. Hence the contemporary take on cornicing, and the blind windows on the side elevation.
‘We like the idea that we adopt an architectural language and then distort or subvert it,' says 31/44 director Will Burges of this approach. Likewise, the new pair of minimalist stoops, which complete the street’s line of double front door steps.
One leads to a front door while the other leads to a window. Beneath this false doorway is tucked the entrance for the new three-bedroomed house. Burges believes that the flat-roofed extension with its cement cladding panel and vertical timber louvre quietly questions the age of the house, and makes its provenance ambiguous. ‘We don’t think that good cities are made up of lots of iconic buildings all shouting,' he adds.
Corner House is the first new-build for local property developer Sara Mungeam. She approached 31/44 architects having seen their Manser Medal-winning Red House – another speculative end-of-terrace project in nearby East Dulwich. ‘We’ve done quite a lot of sites now where you wouldn’t expect a house to go,' Burges points out.
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Tulum welcomes Xela: a Mexican coastal escape
Dip into seaside serenity at Xela, Tulum's new boutique hotel on the Caribbean coast
By Daven Wu Published
-
This modest cabin is the perfect way to experience Norwegian nature
A modest cabin by Kima Arkitektur in Norway makes the most of its dramatic, natural landscape through simplicity
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Peruse the ICA print sale, marking the institute’s 75th anniversary
London’s ICA print sale, with Counter Editions, includes limited-edition prints from Chris Ofili, Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings, and more, available individually or as a box set
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Architect Tsuyoshi Tane on the ‘archaeology of the future’
A new show by architect Tsuyoshi Tane launches today at the TOTO concept gallery in London, exploring the ‘archaeology of the future’
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
UCL East Marshgate seeks to redefine the university campus of the future
UCL East Marshgate by Stanton Williams is completed and gears up to welcome its students in east London
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
London architecture exhibitions 2023: a guide to the best shows this month
Exciting, beautiful and thought-provoking London architecture exhibitions; here's our pick of the finest in town, to visit and enjoy this month
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Studio Mackereth’s 30 Mount Row is a Mayfair gallery with a twist
Studio Mackereth brings a contemporary spin to Mayfair with 30 Mount Row, wrapping a gallery and apartment complex in textured bricks and geometric angles
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The Townhouse at The Bryanston reveals sophisticated interiors with park views
The Townhouse at The Bryanston is unveiled, revealing an interior concept by StudioMorey in a coveted London address
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Giant Ventures’ office by Miminat Designs brings nature and warmth to the workspace
Giant Ventures by Miminat Designs is an office designed around 21st-century workspace warmth and sophistication with a sustainability twist
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
2023 RIBA Stirling Prize: the shortlist revealed
2023 RIBA Stirling Prize has revealed its shortlist, announcing the six UK buildings to compete for the top spot
By Ellie Stathaki Published