The Bakehouse is situated in a surprisingly peaceful hidden enclave near to Peckham High Street and the surrounding hubbub. The project required adding a new roof and side extension to the former Victorian brick bakery which occupies a rear interstitial site. The main body of the building is entirely detached, affording dramatic views on three sides from the bedroom at the top of the house.

This project delves into the world of architectural ambiguity. Traces of the building’s history are left visible and are exploited for their compositional value. Material choices build upon the London vernacular in a project which is about subtlety and blurring boundaries. New handmade London stock brick has been used for the ground floor extension, whilst the roof extension is clad with glass panels to create a backdrop to the brick chimney; a defunct remnant of the bakery. Anodized aluminium windows are inserted into new openings formed in the historic bakery building, whilst a large square frameless window is situated in the yellow brick extension, bringing much needed light into the ground floor area. In total four types of windows are used in the project. This hybrid approach contrasts with the restrained material palette employed internally. Douglas fir is used throughout for the joinery and floorboards, whilst a dark limestone is used for the stonework.

Location: Peckham, South London

Completed: 2018

Images: Ivo Carew Architects