Lee Terrace

Hewn transformed a former garage infill site in Blackheath, London, into a contemporary three-bedroom home.

Sector

Residential

Location

Blackheath, London

Client

Private

Year

2024

Services

TBA
TBA
TBA

Collaborators

Martins Builders
Morph Structures

Awards

Architecture MasterPrize

Project overview

Lee Terrace reinterprets the mews typology through a refined architectural response. This carefully proportioned three-bedroom home introduces itself into a streetscape of traditional Victorian terraces, using a stepped massing strategy to align with neighbouring buildings. A restrained palette of robust, enduring materials lends the house a calm and contextual presence, while full-height glazing, recessed courtyards and skylights draw light deep into the plan. The result is a quietly confident residence that balances privacy and openness to create a generous, private family home.

Warm oak panelling balances the robust texture of exposed concrete in the living spaces.

Materiality

An exterior of London stock brick and pre-cast stone reference surrounding terraces, with recessed brick courses adding subtle articulation across the façade. A crowning storey clad in bronze-finished aluminium introduces a distinctly contemporary counterpoint. Inside, a carefully composed material palette of exposed concrete, oak joinery, deep green cabinetry and herringbone parquet create a tonal and textural contrast that defines each space. Continuity between interior and exterior is reinforced by shared elements including ceramic tile paving and oak finishes.

Ben Mailen

Architect & Managing Director
“Lee Terrace was a particularly rewarding project for our practice because it demonstrates the potential of infill sites to create high-quality, design-forward homes within the city. A lot of care went into the proportions, detailing and material choices to ensure the house felt well-crafted and connected to its surroundings.”
A deep green kitchen anchors the open-plan living space, with rich material contrasts and carefully framed views.

Sustainability

A fabric-first approach to sustainability underpins the home’s performance, with high insulation, airtight construction, and passive solar design reducing energy demand. An air-source heat pump supplies low-carbon heating and hot water, supported by natural ventilation strategies and deep roof overhangs. Working with an arboriculturalist, the design team preserved two mature trees on and adjacent to the site, adapting the layout and using screw pile foundations to integrate the home within its existing ecological setting.

Client testimonial

“TBA”

Francis – Lee Terrace Client

We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to start a conversation or learn more about our practice.

London Office

28-29 Great Sutton Street
Second Floor
London
EC1V 0DS

020 3918 5699
info@mailendesign.com

Oxfordshire Office

The Cart Shed
Manor Farm
West Hagbourne
Didcot
OX11 0ND

020 3918 5699
info@mailendesign.com