Sandy Rendel Architects

A small mixed used development on the site of a former builders' yard in South London.

Set on a prominent corner site on the edge of the Holly Grove Conservation Area in Peckham, the scheme provides a pair of new houses in addition to the extension of a successful existing restaurant. Though restricted by the shallow plot the two houses extend the line and rhythm of the existing terrace. They exploit the previously established massing with a masonry frame that encloses front courtyard gardens built out to the pavement line.

The main body of the new building is constructed from stock brickwork akin to the adjoining properties. To this base bespoke precast concrete window lintels, cills and string course provide simple ornamentation along with the perforate metalwork of the window ventilation panels, courtyard screens and terrace balustrade.

The project aimed to improve this neglected corner and was in part motivated by the close connections that the parties involved have to the location, being commissioned by clients and designed by an architect who both live on the street and built by a contractor who previously occupied the builders’ yard.

Photography: Ioana Marinescu

Project: Bellenden Road
Design Team: Joe Chilvers, Sandy Rendel
Collaborators: Total Building Services (Main Contractor), Structure Workshop (Structural Engineer)
Client: Guy Forrester and Nicky Chambers
Building type: New build, Residential Development
Location: London, UK
Status: Completed 2019
Publications: Architecture Today 17.01.20, Architects' Journal 28.06.19
Awards: British Homes Awards 2020 Small Development of the Year Finalist