Archway Studios, London SE17

“[…] the judges were wowed by the incredible space and highly crafted feel of the winning project: Archway Studios” – Peter Murray, NLA Chairman, 2013

Archway Studios is an award-winning example of adaptive re-use, transforming a 19th-century rail viaduct into an uplifting, unique home. Designed by Didier Ryan Architects, the home spans approximately 1,665 sq ft, with interior spaces shaped to the structure’s historic bends and bows and concentrated around a three-storey atrium that frames the sky to capture and draw in natural light. Well placed, the house sits just south of Elephant & Castle and east of Kennington.

The Architect

Archway Studios has a distinctive appearance, with a weathered Corten steel exterior shell, a slender three-storey glass atrium, and a soundproof acoustic envelope designed to isolate the interior from railway noise. An exceptional example of the art of repurposing, this highly acclaimed house was subject of the RIBA Annual Exhibition in 2025 and won the London Architecture Awards’ ‘House of the Year’ in 2013.

The Tour

This creatively reimagined space occupies an intimate position in and around the arches of a 19th-century rail viaduct in south London, steps away from the open expanse of Burgess Park.

The design centres on a slender, soaring atrium that lets light permeate an open-plan ground floor, with an adjoining bedroom and separate study on tiered levels. The house is entered from the street and through an entrance hall with cupboards for coats and shoes.

Inside, the principal living space is the focal point. A whitewashed colour scheme creates an impressive sense of openness and draws attention upward to a glass ceiling, the source of the light downpour. Distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging are subtly delineated by intentional curves and targeted light; at the far end, a mezzanine-level houses a home library with book-filled joinery and a store.

To one side lies the first bedroom, with floor-to-ceiling built-in storage. This floor also features a spacious utility room and a shower room.

A bright stairwell with a sculpted spiral staircase and double-height glazing rises to a mezzanine-style landing on the first floor, overlooking the living space behind a glass balustrade. Here, the second bedroom occupies one side, with fitted storage, and a shower room with rubber surfaces sits opposite.

A white-painted, cantilevered steel staircase ascends to a study space, tucked beneath the glass ceiling.

The Area

Situated in Walworth, south London, Archway Studios is positioned within easy reach of Burgess Park, one of South London’s largest green spaces, as well as the historical East Street Market and the modern dining and boutique destinations at Elephant Park and Castle Square.

To the north, the Southbank hinterland adds another dimension, with easy access to the cultural, dining and riverside attractions of South Bank and Waterloo.

Further south, Camberwell has become one of south London's most popular neighbourhoods, celebrated for its creative community, handsome architecture and thriving food scene. Camberwell Church Street is full of local favourites including The Camberwell Arms, Lumberjack for coffee, and Theo's for wood-fired pizza. The nearby South London Gallery and Camberwell College of Arts reinforce the area's long-standing artistic character.

Transport connections are excellent. Nearby Elephant & Castle Station runs Northern and Bakerloo tube lines alongside National Rail services, and Kennington tube station is also close by. These provide direct, fast routes into Central London, the City, and the West End.

Tenure: Leasehold | Lease Length: approx 125 years remaining | Ground Rent: approx £10 per annum | Council Tax Band: E