Research

Following a number of refurbishments and conversions of terraced houses we have become increasingly aware that as a London based architect it is almost impossible not to engage very frequently with this particular type of architecture. Moreover, the majority of people in the country interact with Terraced Houses on a daily basis by either living, working, eating or shopping in them. Even the Prime Minister’s office and residence is housed in one. Due to its extensive presence, it has shaped the character and the physical nature of the city and it is difficult to imagine a street without them. However since Stephan Muthesius’ seminal studies on the subject, there seems to be very little questioning of its appropriateness as a public and private space, or the relevance it has for the future development of the city. This has led us into the study of this particular typology in terms of the social and technical aspects that originated it, to gain a better understanding of the context of our work. This research has been developed informally in parallel to the professional practice and we are seeking ways to shape the outcome into a discernible body of research. Last year the practice was short-listed for the V&A’s Architecture Residency where the proposal was based around the theme of the Terraced House.