AL-JAWAD PIKE

Kings Grove, London, designed by Al-Jawad Pike, selected for the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2019 (opens in new tab).

Attention to detail and materials, a rigorous and holistic design approach, and a close collaboration with the client; all values embraced by many an architecture office, yet few of them bring them to life with as much precision and flair as London based Al-Jawad Pike. 

The young practice, headed by Jessam Al-Jawad and Dean Pike, who worked together at David Chipperfield’s office in London for about ten years, set up shop in East London in 2014. The pair have since immersed themselves in a wide variety of projects – ranging from interiors and pop ups for fashion brands like Celine and Burberry, to exhibition design and residential work. 

The redesign and extension of private house in South London’s Peckham is among their latest offerings, and one of the most recently completed residential project that caught our eye. Providing a two-storey new-build space extending into a Victorian terraced house’s garden, this scheme created a new light filled kitchen and dining area, a washroom and a generous arrival hall.

The materials used are simple, but exploited to perfection, and include minimalist but elegantly pronounced oak window frames and polished concrete floors. Their approach, crisp and uncluttered, allows the materials to shine through, defined by precise, confident lines and clean volumes. 

‘Designing something so personal as someone’s home is a huge challenge often layered with emotion and complexity,’ they say. ‘We try to be sensitive to clients’ needs and aspirations as well as the personal financial investment required. We see it as our responsibility to help guide our clients through the process while trying to also create projects we can all be proud of.’

Shapes and massing echo the house’s historical typology, as well as the context around them. The duo however are not slaves to context either. ‘Respecting local context is of course a big influence on our work, however, we see this as being sensitive to the multiple forces that shape the design of a project, rather than imitating a vernacular style,’ they explain. ‘In London, due to the restrictions on space and general density of building, it is almost impossible to avoid being directly influenced by the surrounding context. The expression of our architecture therefore inevitably takes reference from this, either consciously or unconsciously.’