Lutwyche Road, London SE6

This exquisite sliver of a house in Forest Hill reveals itself slowly, standing apart from its traditional red-brick Victorian neighbours with a façade of chalky slip bricks and burnt cedar cladding. Set over two floors with two bedrooms, the striking frontage hints at the unexpected volume within. A considered material palette establishes a subtle backdrop against which the luscious garden and tropical central loggia take centre stage, blurring the boundary between outside and in.

The Architect

Studio BAM is a Peckham-based practice founded in 2015 by Tom Boroweicki. The practice works in architecture, furniture and product development to create clearly articulated designs characterised by their beautiful craftsmanship and sensitive use of materials. The house has been the recipient of many accolades and has been featured in Grand Designs 2022 and Phillippa Stockley's Evening Standard column.

The Tour

The distinct, angular profile of this house is adorned with striking burnt cedar panels that immediately establish its tactile, contemporary approach. Entry is via an elegant brickwork passageway; planted with wildflowers on top, it conceals the private entrance to this almost hidden home.

Harnessing its corner plot, the architects have worked to create a sense of discovery on arrival at the house. The narrow two-metre wide frontage opens to the unexpectedly wide and bright living spaces at the rear. On entry, the industrial palette of terrazzo floors, exposed beams and metal pipes is softened by the greenery glimpsed within the central loggia, and a view of the garden beyond. This leading corridor draws the eye through the plan.

Beyond is the open-plan kitchen and living space, where wide sliding doors foster an unbroken connection to the outside while drawing plenty of light in. A bank of sleek black cabinets topped with the same terrazzo as the floors runs along one side, beneath a smart white-tiled splash-back. Integrated appliances have been unobtrusively placed on the back wall, alongside a pantry and utility room.

The main bedroom sits along the corridor. It is centred around the loggia, which teems with tropical palms and ferns, making for a bright and lively view of plants from the bed. Glazing is set between exposed beams to form a skylight, which intensifies the brightness of the room. A wall of bespoke ply wardrobes adds plenty of storage. Next door is a playful bathroom with a mirrored bath surround and Primus Vitoria tiles.

The angled stairs at the front of the plan are illuminated by a vast skylight. On the first storey, the second bedroom is lit by large portrait picture window overlooking the sedum roof of the ground floor. Vinyl floors run throughout the level and a WC sits mid-way on the landing.

Outdoor Space

The garden is an exceptional extension of the living space, with a brick patio that forms a central seating area amid the bamboo, fatsia and grasses. The luscious growth conceals a hot tub in the shade of silver birch, while a large garden shed provides plenty of storage. A mirrored back wall reflects the greenery, amplifying its embracing, retreat-like feel.

The Area

The delis, cafés and restaurants of Forest Hill are a short walk away from the house; local favourites include Bona, Pantry, Aga’s Little Deli, Olives and More, and the Sylvan Post. The popular Horniman Museum with its café, anthropological museum and Saturday morning farmers’ market is also nearby.

The route to Honor Oak passes by local café No.41 Coffee & Kitchen, Babur, The Chandos and Grounds and Grapes while skirting Blythe Hill Fields.

Waterlink Way is a short walk away, leading towards Ladywell Fields, a 54-acre park beside the River Ravensbourne with a nature reserve, café, adventure playground and a number of rare mature trees. Ladywell Fields is home to a pandemonium of ring-necked parakeets.

Forest Hill Station is a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away, running Overground services to Canada Water and through to Shoreditch in 24 minutes. Catford and Catford Bridge stations are a 15-minute walk away and run regular services to London Bridge in 17 minutes.

Council Tax Band: D