Open House festival takes place across London from September 12-20. The annual celebration of architecture, culture and community sees some of the capital’s most iconic buildings unlock their doors to the public. Alongside epic monuments like the Barbican and St Paul’s Cathedral, visitors can also step across the threshold of some of London’s most intriguing architecturally designed homes. Here are some of our favourites to add to your itinerary.
St George Villa designed by Studio Grieveson
Studio Grieveson have brought a taste of the Med to east London with this home that was a 2026 finalist in the Architects Journal Small Projects Award. The studio injected light and colour into a formerly dark, damp lower-ground-floor home with a south facing extension featuring terracotta arches. A planted courtyard and natural swimming pool complete the year-round holiday vibes.
Rachwalsky House by Rudolf Frankel
This listed building is an enduring example of pre-war Modernist housing. Designed by architect Rudolf Frankel for his sister and her family, the home retains the layout and original features, along with details such as maid call buttons, a bell system and a tradesman’s entrance.
Easi House by NimTim Architects
Frank Gehry’s own Santa Monica House was a key reference point for Nim Tim Architects when reimagining this Victorian terrace. Budget restraints meant both the practice and homeowners had to approach the project creatively, resulting in unexpected yet thoughtful elements, such as a sink splashback crafted from kitchen worktop samples.
Brunswick Street by Pablo Sanchez Lopez
A problematic 1970s remodel was the challenge for architect Pablo Sanchez Lopez when renovating this Walthamstow home. A central staircase was repositioned to the party wall creating a light-filled open-plan ground floor, softened by a rust-coloured curtain that cocoons the dining area when required.
Blythe Hill House by Whittaker Parsons and Price & Myers
This property is not to be missed for anyone interested in sustainable architecture. A 1970s end-of-terrace home, it was thoughtfully reimagined by Whittaker Parsons and Price & Myers. Low-carbon materials such as hempcrete, woodfibre insulation and timber construction were integral to the build, and the team will be on-site to discuss the environmental strategies behind the project.
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Tooting Bec House by Draper Studio
The damp British weather can make construction a challenge. This double storey rear extension in Tooting Bec was built over just two weeks to ensure it was weather-tight. The open-plan kitchen/diner, designed by Draper Studio, has a Redwood beamed ceiling, while the sliding doors seamlessly integrate the inside and garden (when it’s not raining, of course).
Segmental House by Dominic McKenzie Architects
Douglas fir is the star of a new rear extension on this Grade 2-listed, five-storey house for homeowners who have a deep love of Scandinavian Modernism and its use of timber panelling. On the exterior, bespoke brickwork was used to construct a dramatic arch that mirrors the property’s original arched windows.
Peek-a-Blue designed by NimTim Architects
The colour blue is a thread running through this playful home in Homerton, designed by Nim Tim Architects. The studio showed what’s possible with a double-height ceiling, creating a light filled living area that incorporates a snug, dining and kitchen area. A zingy cobalt cloaks doors, shelving, porthole windows and internal punctures.
See the full programme at openhouse.org.uk
