In the heart of Lewisham, London, Office S&M has transformed a 1950s corner house into a vibrant, contemporary family home that celebrates colour, light, and sustainable design. Named Brockley House, the project is a masterclass in balancing mid-century heritage with the demands of modern living, resulting in a space that is as functional as it is joyful.
The original structure, typical of its era, suffered from leaky walls, a maze-like layout, and deteriorating materials. Office S&M’s intervention stripped away these inefficiencies while preserving the home’s historical character. Thermally upgraded walls and repurposed original features—like the restored pebbledash cladding and exterior shingles—ensure the house meets today’s energy efficiency standards without losing its nostalgic appeal.
Inside, the ground floor was reconfigured to create a spacious wraparound living area, eliminating the compartmentalised rooms of the past. A curved wall housing a new WC introduces playful geometry, softening the space for the family’s young child. The design’s flexible spaces cater to contemporary lifestyles, proving that historic homes can evolve without sacrificing their soul.
What sets Brockley House apart is its bold use of colour and pattern, inspired by 1950s cake adverts, American diners, and digital art. Pastel lilac facades evoke cake icing, while mint-green drainage pipes, checkerboard tiles, and a curved pink porch on butter-yellow columns add whimsical charm. Personal touches, like kitchen worktops inspired by the family’s child’s drawings, infuse the home with warmth and individuality.
The house also engages dynamically with its surroundings. An undulating garden fence animates the streetscape, appearing as rolling waves when viewed through the kitchen’s corner window. Textured renders and glass block walls play with light, creating ever-shifting patterns that bring the home to life.
Clients Robyn and Michael praised Office S&M’s collaborative approach, noting how the architects blended their bold ideas with unexpected materials to craft a home that “brings joy every day.” This ethos aligns with the practice’s broader mission: to deliver social value through design that supports wellbeing and community.
Brockley House is more than a renovation—it’s a creative reimagining of mid-century architecture for the 21st century. By honouring the past while embracing playful modernity, Office S&M has crafted a distinctive landmark that enlivens its neighbourhood and redefines what a family home can be.