Tanner Street
Site History and Context
No. 60 Tanner Street is an end-of-terrace residence located in the London Borough of Southwark. Originally built in the Victorian era (c. 1880), the property first served as part of a local school before being converted into housing in the mid-1990s. Constructed in traditional London stock brick, the house retains its original façades, with both front and rear elevations reflecting its historic character.
The earlier conversion created a two-bedroom layout. The brief called for a master bedroom with ensuite and a roof terrace, providing generous, modern living accommodation while introducing an addition that would complement the existing building and its historic character.
Design Response
The new extension leverages cross-laminated timber (CLT) to achieve both precision and speed in construction. The prefabricated panels were rapidly erected on site, allowing the complex pitched roof form to be completed efficiently while maintaining the integrity of the original building.
The structure explores the interplay of light and material. The CLT surfaces provide a warm, tactile interior, while strategically placed skylights and irregular window openings bring natural light deep into the space. This combination creates a home that feels both intimate and visually dynamic.
Externally, the new cladding complements the historic brick of the boarding school, contrasting smooth timber surfaces with the rough texture of the original masonry. Vertical timber elements help refine the proportions of the elevations, resulting in a contemporary addition that respects its heritage while delivering a sense of delight and discovery for its residents.
