Open House Festival 2026 (Sept 12-26) is set to open doors to some of London's most remarkable private residences, offering the public a rare glimpse into homes that are normally off-limits. Among the six highlighted homes are the iconic Trellick Tower and the St Pancras Renaissance development, each with unique architectural significance.
Wood House: A Timber Masterpiece in Harrow
Completed by architects 538 Works, Wood House showcases state-of-the-art timber engineering combined with traditional craftsmanship. The geometrically-advanced self-build features complex angled surfaces and sloping ceilings, designed as a low-energy home. Visitors can join tours to learn about the decision to build a wooden house on a street of traditional brick semis and the process of crafting a home from scratch. Located at 102 Draycott Avenue, HA3 0DD, tours are free on Sun Sep 13.
Rogers House: A Modernist Icon in Wimbledon
Designed by Richard + Su Rogers with Gumuchdjian Architects between 1968 and 1970, Rogers House is a glass-walled residence inspired by Californian architecture. Built for Richard's parents' retirement, it features sliding partitions and hidden storage for a flexible, streamlined space. Now Grade II* listed, this home is a testament to modernist design history, and due to London's strict planning laws, it's unlikely you'll find another like it. Visit at 22 Parkside, SW19 5NA on Sat Sep 12.
Trellick Tower: Reassessing a Brutalist Landmark
Erno Goldfinger's Trellick Tower, completed in the early 1970s, has long been a controversial addition to west London's skyline. However, a growing appreciation for brutalist architecture has led to its reevaluation. Guided tours will explore the 31-storey building's unique features, including a laundry, club room, and a projecting boiler room on the roof. The tower is at 5 Golborne Road, W10 5UT, with free tours on Sun Sep 13.
Tin House: Mediterranean Courtyard Living in Shepherd's Bush
Architect Henning Stummel designed Tin House around a central atrium, inspired by ancient Roman courtyard homes. The oddly-shaped site, overlooked by neighboring houses, was ideal for this design. The striking orange tin-walled pavilions feature parallelogram-shaped windows in sloped ceilings, with a central olive tree and rectangular pond as nods to Mediterranean influences. Located at Smugglers Yard, 105 Devonport Road, W12 8PB, tours are free on Sat Sep 12.
St Pancras Chambers: Victorian Gothic Revival
The St Pancras Renaissance redevelopment has revived a splendid red brick Victorian building after decades of neglect. Tours of its apartments will showcase stone-edged gothic windows, an imposing lobby, and a whimsical clock, telling the story of the landmark's restoration. The building is on Euston Road, NW1 2AR, with free tours on Sat Sep 12.
Hermitage Community Moorings: A Riverside Utopia in Wapping
For those dreaming of barge living, Hermitage Community Moorings offers a glimpse into a unique river community. Located just downstream from Tower Bridge, this collection of historic vessels features floating walkways and the Pier House, a community centre with stellar views of the London skyline. Visit at 16 Wapping High Street, E1W 1NG on Sat Sep 19-Sun Sep 20.
These free tours are part of the wider Open House Festival, which also includes iconic buildings like the BT Tower and Senate House. Don't miss this opportunity to explore London's architectural diversity from the inside.
