Brandlehow School one of many buildings to take a peek at during Open House weekend
Now in its 23rd year, Open House London flings open the doors of buildings that are normally closed to the public.
Across the capital more than 700 buildings will open their doors, alongside a programme of free neighbourhood walks, engineering and landscape tours, cycle rides and experts’ talks.
London Open House is an architectural education charity which has four principal objectives:
• To foster public awareness and understanding of London's built environment and architecture by means of direct access, experience and debate.
• To promote an understanding of architecture and the public environment across all sections of the community, particularly with children and young people
• To encourage civic pride amongst the capital's residential and business community
• To promote visual literacy and citizenship through the medium of architectural appreciation and understanding.
This year’s event explores how London can adapt to the challenges and changes it faces in coming years, including the increasing demand for house, the pressure on green spaces and the need for more infrastructure.
The Wandsworth events are supported by Wandsworth Council and give local people a chance to explore some of the borough’s oldest buildings, and get a glimpse into the borough’s future.
The Wandsworth buildings are:
BAC Lavender Hill, Battersea. Designed and built as Battersea's Town Hall and home to BAC for the last 30 years.
Brandlehow Primary School, Brandlehow Road, Putney. A listed modern school by Erno Goldfinger.
Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane, Tooting – award-winning new buildings enhance the original 1950s modernist design.
Emanuel School, Battersea Rise, Battersea. The former Royal Patriotic orphanage has been a school since 1883.
Foster + Partners Studio, Riverside, 22 Hester Road, Battersea. Purpose-built architects studio.
Gala Bingo Hall, Exceptional example of the ‘super cinema’ of the 1930s.
Graveney School Sixth Form Building – described as setting a template for new school buildings.
National Tennis Centre Sports Canopy, 100 Priory Lane, Roehampton.
Nightingale Lane. A dramatic refurbishment of a typical 1930s semi.
Pump House Gallery, Battersea Park. Grade II listed Victorian water tower now housing a council-run art gallery.
Roehampton University - Parkstead House, Whitelands College. Neo-classical Palladian villa.
Skinner-Trevino House – a radically transformed Victorian Putney home.
St Mary's Church, Battersea Church Road. Classic Georgian church with new engraved glass doors.
The Garden House – 1970s bungalow converted into a modern home.
Thrive, Battersea Park. Charity teaching gardening and life skills to people with physical and mental disabilities.
Tooting Bec Lido – much-loved iconic outdoor pool.
The walks and tours are:
New Covent Garden Flower Market tour. Learn about its history and future plans.
Nine Elms Walk – Explore inner London’s largest regeneration zone.
Opening times vary, and in some cases visits must be booked. For full details, visit www.openhouselondon.org.uk/wandsworth.
September 16, 2015