The modern British: an architectural account of The Manser Practice

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Manser Houses by Peter Murray charts the domestic work.
Manser Houses by Peter Murray charts the domestic work of a pivotal firm in the genesis of contemporary British modernism.
(Image credit: Hanna Pasanen)

We tend to forget that the Modern House had a rough ride in Britain. Today, contemporary architecture is in high demand, and to live in a sleek modern house is, for many, the ultimate in aspirational living. Manser Houses charts the domestic work of a pivotal firm in the genesis of contemporary British modernism.

Michael Manser, and later his son Jonathan, have overseen the design of a clutch of elegant and original houses, building on the spirit of post-war American modernism, adapted for the sites and landscapes of the UK. Not for nothing is the RIBA's annual award for best new house known as the 'Manser Medal'.

The firm's new monograph explores each house in detail, providing an overview of the transition from struggling self-builders to purveyors of some of the most elegant contemporary houses in the country.

A house and beautiful gargden.


(Image credit: The Manser Practice)

Michael Manser, and later his son Jonathan, have overseen the design of a clutch of elegant and original houses, building on the spirit of post-war American modernism. Pictured from the book: Golden Grove, Surrey, 1960. Michael Manser designed this house in the centre of an orchard as a home for his young family.

A house in a greenery.


(Image credit: courtesy of The Manser Practice)

Capel Manor House, Kent, 1971. The property was designed to give a sense of openness with panoramic views of the countryside.

Image of house at evening time.


(Image credit: Hufton+Crow)

Yachtsman's House, Isle of Wight, 2014; the house was awarded 'One-Off Home of the Year' at the 2014 Sunday Times British Home Awards.

This house is designed in a U-shape around a south facing courtyard garden.


(Image credit: Richard Einzig)

Armstrong House, Surrey, 1970. This house is designed in a U-shape around a south facing courtyard garden.

A beautiful image of house.


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg, Richard Einzig)

Left: Welch House, Isle of Wight, 2009 – a two-storey box balanced on a teardrop shaped concrete tube fixed to the hillside.  Right: Armstrong House, Surrey, 1970. 

Manser developed this into a five bedroom house overlooking the sea.


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Sea Glass House, Isle of Wight, 2008. Initially a 1960s bungalow extension, Manser developed this into a five bedroom house overlooking the sea.

House of ground floor.


(Image credit: courtesy of The Manser Practice)

Forest Lodge, Surrey, 1965. An early steel framed British house, it is raised above the ground on steel stilts and designed for flexibility.

An L-shaped concrete retaining wall supports a Meccano-like steel frame..


(Image credit: Nigel Papworth)

Cliff Hanger, Surrey, 1962. This was one of Manser's more daring and budgeted projects; an L-shaped concrete retaining wall supports a Meccano-like steel frame.

The image of balcony.

Cliff Hanger, Surrey, 1962

(Image credit: Nigel Papworth)
Jonathan Bell

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.

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