Ayurvedic Studio
Site History and Context
Croxted Road is a quietly residential street in the heart of Dulwich. No. 104 occupies a distinguished position on the east side of the street and is a two-storey, semi-detached Edwardian residence. The property is oriented along an east-west axis, with an east-facing rear garden enclosed by mature trees and shrubs, which lend a sense of privacy and a verdant backdrop, creating a tranquil setting within the urban context.
The principal façade of 104 Croxted Road is formed in traditional red brick, while the rear elevation employs yellow stock brick, with select sections painted to complement the overall composition. A non-original rear and side extension is present; modest in scale and quality, it does not positively contribute to the architectural integrity of the original structure. The dwelling retains a sense of Edwardian elegance, with proportions and detailing characteristic of its period.
To the north of the property lies West Dulwich railway station, providing regular and direct services to central London and destinations to the south, ensuring excellent connectivity while maintaining the calm, residential atmosphere that defines the street.
The site does not lie within a designated conservation area, though the Dulwich Village Conservation Area sits to the east beyond the railway line, its historic character forming a distinguished backdrop to the wider neighbourhood and reinforcing the sense of place in which the property is set.
104 Croxted Road occupies a footprint broadly consistent with neighbouring houses. Many properties along the street have been extended with full-width, single-storey rear additions, reflecting a sympathetic approach to enlarging accommodation within this established Edwardian streetscape.
We were appointed to create an adaptable studio for our client, who sought a flexible workspace at the rear of this substantial Edwardian semi-detached home in Dulwich. Located within the Dulwich Estate, the project required particular care to preserve all terraces and the existing summerhouse. Our design responds sensitively to the site, working around a central cherry tree and forming a U-shaped plan that integrates the studio with the garden while maintaining the character and heritage of the original home.
Design Response
Creation of a self-contained Ayurvedic studio located at the rear of this private residential property in East Dulwich.
The studio will be constructed using timber, enabling off-site fabrication and reducing the construction timeline. Due to the location of the new structure and to minimize impacts on the existing roots of the established trees, a series of micro-piles will be used for the foundation.
The Pavilion frames and overlooks a courtyard centred around an existing cherry tree. Each room opens onto this tranquil area, making it the focal point of the surrounding spaces. To the south, which faces the private garden, there are limited openings. This design creates a filtered buffer, ensuring a sense of privacy for the clients.
A folded metal roof and red timber cladding enclose the new pavilion. Left untreated to weather naturally, the building will evolve over time, blending harmoniously with its surroundings.
