Behind a weathered brick wall on Cleaver Square in London lies a cleverly designed single-story two-bedroom house. Created by Inglis Badrashi Loddo (IBLA), this home transforms a former car park into a bright, private sanctuary while respecting the area's historic fabric.
- Compact 63 sq m plot converted from car park to courtyard house
- Historic Cleaver Square site untouched by new builds for 175 years
- Light-filled interior with skylights and private garden views
What happened
On a small site in Kennington, London, an architectural firm designed a two-bedroom house that is almost entirely concealed behind a traditional brick garden wall. The land, once a car park and historically part of a Georgian townhouse’s walled garden, was redeveloped into a compact home that fits seamlessly within its historic surroundings.
The project was commissioned by the adjacent property owners and completed by Inglis Badrashi Loddo (IBLA). The design embraces the constraints of limited space and the need to maintain the visual character of Cleaver Square, one of London’s earliest planned residential squares. The boundary walls were rebuilt using a mix of salvaged and new London bricks, maintaining the historical look from the street.
Why it feels good
Inside, the house surprises with a bright and open feel, contrasting with the modest exterior. Walls finished in lime-mortar paint brighten the interior, while skylights and large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors flood rooms with natural light. The design centers around a private courtyard garden, creating a strong visual connection with nature and a sense of spaciousness despite the small footprint.
The open sightlines from the main bedroom to the rest of the house emphasize a cohesive and airy atmosphere. Whitewashed exposed ceiling joists and simple white walls add to the minimalist aesthetic, contributing to a calm, uncluttered living environment. Modern comforts like underfloor heating and a sedum roof further enhance the home's blend of sustainability and style.
What to enjoy or watch next
This project is a wonderful example of how thoughtful design can unlock potential in constrained urban spaces while honoring historical contexts. Fans of minimalist architecture and compact urban homes will appreciate the clever use of natural light and connection to outdoor areas here.
For those inspired by hidden, innovative homes, similar architectural highlights like the Vaazh House in India offer engaging comparisons. Keep an eye on future IBLA projects as they continue to explore creative solutions that balance modern living with heritage preservation.