Architecture studio Paper House Project has breathed new life into a former Victorian school hall in London's West Greenwich Conservation Area. Peyton Place is a new family home, created by recycling the existing building and making the most out of clever architectural adaptive reuse.
The old hall was derelict when Paper House Project was called upon to transform the structure into a contemporary and child-friendly house. Drawing on the industrial aesthetic of the neglected structure, the architects arranged the interior over two floors; a sunken ground level that spills out to a rear courtyard; and a top floor that includes a mezzanine in the roof.
Three generous bedrooms, bathrooms and auxiliary spaces, such as a laundry room, are spread out across the ground level. A wide corridor off the main entrance leads directly through to the paved garden, connecting visually front and back. The upper floor contains the living spaces, arranged in an open plan space with a dramatic metal staircase guiding guests up to the mezzanine. ‘A large retractable skylight provides an additional living area [on the mezzanine] whilst creating a new connection between the internal and external spaces,' explain the architects.
Matching the building's brick bones with a palette of sleek, yet friendly material, including dark painted metal, timber and milky, semi-transparent glass, Paper House Project has entirely transformed this period structure from a neglected and dilapidated property to a warm and modern residence, fit for 21st century family living.
INFORMATION
-
A major Frida Kahlo exhibition is coming to the Tate Modern next yearTate’s 2026 programme includes 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', which will trace the professional and personal life of countercultural figurehead Frida Kahlo
-
Stay at Nujuma, a forward-facing sanctuary in the Red Sea regionNujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, sets the bar high as one of Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury destinations
-
Pierre Yovanovitch’s set and costumes bring a contemporary edge to Korea National Opera in SeoulFrench interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch makes his second operatic design foray, for The Marriage of Figaro in Seoul
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in OxfordThe Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodellingNorth Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its gardenArchitects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional spaceA multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st CenturyThanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
-
Manchester United and Foster + Partners to build a new stadium: ‘Arguably the largest public space in the world’The football club will spend £2 billion on the ambitious project, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described as the ‘world's greatest football stadium’
-
An architect’s own home offers a refined and leafy retreat from its East London surroundingsStudioshaw has completed a courtyard house in amongst a cluster of traditional terraced houses, harnessing the sun and plenty of greenery to bolster privacy and warmth
-
The museum of the future: how architects are redefining cultural landmarksWhat does the museum of the future look like? As art evolves, so do the spaces that house it – pushing architects to rethink form and function
