Architecture: Peckham House by Surman Weston
Peckham House, designed by Surman Weston, is a striking example of contemporary architecture that marries sustainability with craftsmanship. Completed in 2023, this self-built home in South London has garnered significant acclaim, including the 2024 Manser Medal for AJ House of the Year and the RIBA London Award.
Situated on a former scrubby grass plot adjacent to a Brutalist car park, Peckham House stands as a monolithic cuboid with a flat roof, distinguishing itself from the surrounding Victorian terraces. The façade features distinctive hit-and-miss brickwork, where recessed header bricks create a gradient of shadow, adding texture and depth to the structure .
Internally, the house showcases a thoughtful selection of materials that delineate spaces and enhance the living experience. The ground-floor living areas are finished with a lime slurry, allowing the blockwork to be read with subtlety as an interior finish. The use of English larch end-grain flooring in reception spaces and pink gypsum plaster in bedrooms contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere .
A notable feature is the exposed timber beam, which retains its original bark, spanning the opening between the living and dining areas. This 'spine' of the house not only serves a structural purpose but also adds a touch of natural beauty to the interior .
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Surman Weston prioritised sustainability throughout the design and construction of Peckham House. The house is super-insulated, with triple glazing and an airtight envelope, achieving an EPC 'A' rating and performing 80% better than Building Regulation requirements. On-site energy generation is facilitated through photovoltaic panels paired with an air source heat pump.
Materials were sourced locally from the UK, with a strong emphasis on recycling and minimising waste. Blockwork walls are made from recycled construction waste, and timber off-cuts from the ceiling joists were repurposed into end-grain wood block flooring. Additionally, brick off-cuts were recycled as pavers in the garden, demonstrating a commitment to reducing embodied carbon and operational energy.
Peckham House represents Surman Weston's first self-initiated project, with directors Tom Surman and Percy Weston taking on roles as client, architect, and contractor. This hands-on approach allowed them to experiment with design elements and construction techniques, resulting in a home that is rich in detail and character. The architects were deeply involved in the building process, fabricating the timber roof structure, exposed ceiling joists, and larch floor by hand, as well as installing the mechanical ventilation heat recovery system and solar panels.
The self-build journey also presented challenges, particularly with rising material and labour costs. To offset these increases, Surman and Weston dedicated significant time on-site, performing various manual labour tasks themselves. This immersive involvement not only allowed for greater control over the project's direction but also led to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the construction process.
Peckham House is a testament to the possibilities of sustainable, self-built architecture. Through innovative design, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Surman Weston has created a home that not only complements its urban context but also sets a benchmark for future residential projects. Its success underscores the potential for architects to take on multifaceted roles, blending creativity with practicality to produce spaces that are both functional and inspiring.
This film was made and produced by RIBA
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