From September 12-20, the Open House festival will take place across London, offering a unique opportunity to explore some of the city’s most iconic buildings and private homes. The annual celebration of architecture, culture, and community will see many of London’s most intriguing architecturally designed homes unlock their doors to the public.
One such home is the St George Villa, designed by Studio Grieveson, which was a 2026 finalist in the Architects Journal Small Projects Award. The studio transformed a formerly dark, damp lower-ground-floor home into a bright and colorful space with a south-facing extension featuring terracotta arches.
Rachwalsky House, designed by Rudolf Frankel, is another notable example of pre-war Modernist housing. This listed building retains its original layout and features, including maid call buttons and a tradesman’s entrance. Frankel’s architectural skills are evident in the home’s enduring design, which has withstood the test of time.
Easi House, designed by NimTim Architects, was inspired by Frank Gehry’s own Santa Monica House. The architects had to approach the project creatively due to budget restraints, resulting in unique elements such as a sink splashback crafted from kitchen worktop samples.
Blythe Hill House, designed by Whittaker Parsons and Price Myers, is a must-visit for anyone interested in sustainable architecture. The 1970s end-of-terrace home was reimagined using low-carbon materials such as hempcrete, woodfibre insulation, and timber construction. They will be on-site to discuss the environmental strategies behind the project.
Tooting Bec House, designed by Draper Studio, features a double-storey rear extension built over just two weeks to ensure it was weather-tight. The open-plan kitchen/diner has a Redwood beamed ceiling, while the sliding doors seamlessly integrate the inside and garden.
Segmental House, designed by Dominic McKenzie Architects, features a new rear extension with bespoke brickwork and a dramatic arch that mirrors the property’s original arched windows. The homeowners’ love of Scandinavian Modernism is reflected in the use of timber panelling throughout the house.
Peek-a-Blue, designed by NimTim Architects, is a playful home in Homerton that incorporates the color blue throughout its design. The studio created a light-filled living area with a double-height ceiling, incorporating a snug, dining, and kitchen area.
Brunswick Street, designed by Pablo Sanchez Lopez, was renovated from a problematic 1970s remodel. The architect repositioned the central staircase to the party wall, creating a light-filled open-plan ground floor softened by a rust-colored curtain.
For more information and to see the full programme, visit openhouse.org.uk.
The festival offers a chance to explore these unique homes and learn about the design process behind them.
It is an opportunity to meet the architects and homeowners who have worked on these projects.
The Open House festival is a celebration of architecture and community.