Must see: we tour the newest of this year’s Open House weekend offerings
Every year, London’s Open House weekend is one of the capital’s most hotly in-demand architecture events, with queues known to be forming outside well-known buildings that are otherwise closed to the general public and lucky visitors getting a sneak peak of new private houses and exclusive offices left, right and centre.
There are always the much-loved classics, often back by popular demand, such as 30 St Mary Axe (a.k.a. the Gherkin), but every year, we equally eagerly look forward to getting our chance to visit the new kids on the block – the additions that come from the past year’s architectural crop. This year is no exception; Open House London, running on the 17-18 September, will be boasting a striking 200 or so brand new buildings to its growing list. Highlights include the recently renovated, Brutalist Salters Hall in central London and a competition to win a visit to the top of ArcelorMittal Orbit, in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Private houses are also represented in abundance: from expertly handled renovations, such as Archmongers’ Clock House, to home extensions, such as Bureau de Change’s Folds, and new builds, like 31/44 Architects House in Lewisham. There is plenty to choose from if you’re looking for inspiration.
With an impressive total of more than 750 buildings of all shapes and sizes opening their doors to their discerning guests – topped by a free programme of walks, engineering and landscape tours, cycle rides and experts’ talks - this year’s annual architectural celebration will no doubt be as big and bold as ever. A new and revamped guide to the weekend’s offerings is also available to help you navigate this September’s rich pickings.
Information
Open House London runs on the 17-18 September. For more information visit the website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Lexus installation explores time at Milan Design Week 2024
Lexus brought designer Hideki Yoshimoto’s ‘Beyond the Horizon’ to Milan’s Art Point, part of its ongoing series of collaborations with Fuorisalone
By Nargess Shahmanesh Banks Published
-
Cult 1960s boutique Granny Takes A Trip gets a sustainable reboot
Founded on King’s Road in 1966, ‘radically creative’ fashion store Granny Takes A Trip is being reimagined for a new generation. Dal Chodha takes a closer look
By Dal Chodha Published
-
Find yourself at Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's breathtaking Japan debut
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors boasting tranquil, luxurious interiors by Blink Design Group
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Stephen Friedman Gallery by David Kohn is infused with subtly playful elegance
Stephen Friedman Gallery gets a new home by David Kohn in London, filled with elegant details and colourful accents
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Henry Wood House’s postmodernist bones are refreshed by Nice Projects in London
Nice Projects breathes new life into the Henry Wood House in London, offering ample flexible office spaces for modern workers
By Daven Wu Published
-
‘Bio-spaces’ exhibition at Roca London Gallery celebrates biophilic design
‘Bio-Spaces: regenerative, resilient futures’ opens at the Roca London Gallery as ‘a call to action to stop designing nature out’
By Clare Dowdy Published
-
Don’t Move, Improve 2024: London’s bold, bright and boutique home renovations
Don’t Move, Improve 2024 reveals its shortlist, with 16 home designs competing for the top spot, to be announced in May
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Timber-framed Wimbledon house is a minimalist, low-energy affair
A new timber-framed Wimbledon house is designed to blend into its traditional surroundings with a neat brick façade, careful massing and pared back interiors
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
London Science Museum’s Energy Revolution gallery champions sustainable exhibition design
The Energy Revolution gallery opens at London’s Science Museum, exploring decarbonisation through sustainable exhibition design by Unknown Works
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
This South Downs house stands as a testament to the value of quiet refinement
At one with the landscape, a South Downs house uses elements of quintessential country villas and midcentury gems with modern technologies
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Ash Tree House offers a contextual approach to a north London site
Ash Tree House by Edgley Design is a modern family home in a north London conservation area's backyard site
By Ellie Stathaki Published