A House with a Courtyard
Award-Winning Listed Building Renovation in Southwark
Borough: Southwark
Service: Design and Build
Project Brief: Balancing History with Modern Living
The brief was to preserve the property’s history while introducing modern touches, keeping the space practical yet beautiful. The kitchen and dining area were to remain at the heart of the home, natural light was a priority, artwork was to be showcased thoughtfully, and the overall feel was to be warm, inviting and family-friendly.
Our Approach
Set within a listed home in a Southwark conservation area, this project allowed us to showcase quality craftsmanship, innovative touches and carefully considered brickwork. As the residential architect for this Southwark home, we worked closely with the conservation officer from the earliest sketches, making sure every change respected the building’s listed status while still allowing the house to work properly for modern family life.
A Unique Internal Courtyard
The most striking feature of this home is the stunning internal courtyard at its centre. It brings a sense of calm and light into the heart of the house, connecting all the living spaces and creating an exceptional, private oasis in a Victorian terrace.
Brick Portico and Architectural Details
At the rear, a brick portico with two semi-circular arches pays tribute to nearby Soane architecture. Each brick was sourced, cut and assembled in London. Even the bricks were measured against the people who live here. The chamfered courses beneath the arches rise and fall to meet the homeowners’ shoulder height exactly, a tiny, deliberate touch that most people walk straight past without ever knowing it’s there..
Kitchen-Diner Extension and Natural Light
Behind the Victorian terrace façade, a zinc-clad kitchen-diner extension opens directly onto the courtyard. Roof lanterns and custom joinery maximise natural light while maintaining a connection to nature. The arched threshold between kitchen and dining mirrors the curves of the rear façade, linking interior and exterior design.
The Result
Every detail reflects the home’s spirit and the client’s brief, resulting in a harmonious, inviting and unique living space. The project has been featured in multiple publications and recognised by the Federation of Master Builders, earning awards for both Large Renovation Project and Bathroom Design. For the Pencil and Brick team, it’s a project that shows exactly what a residential architect and builder working as one can achieve on a listed London home, from the first planning conversation through to the final brick.
