Behind Closed Doors

Andrea Klettner previews the best of London's annual architecture showcase during Open House weekend (18-19 September) when buildings, normally off limits to the public, open their doors.

London is famed for being one of the most architecturally diverse cities in the world, with literally thousands of buildings that merit a tour in their own right.  A lot of these architectural wonders are not usually accessible for visitors, but Open House weekend (18-19 September) - the capital's annual free architecture showcase – reveals what lies behind some of these enticing facades, of which 700 properties are on show for this year’s 18th Open House event, themed 'our buildings, our neighbourhoods, our city'. 

Victoria Thornton, founder of Open House, says: 'For the event, we select a huge range of buildings of architectural merit whether they are contemporary award-winners, historic listed buildings as well as sites under development and 'green' buildings. [..] Experiencing architecture in the flesh helps everyone become more knowledgeable, engage in dialogue and make informed judgements on the buildings, places and neighbourhoods where we all live, work and play.'

The BT Tower, built in 1964 and designed by the architects of the Ministry of Public Building and Works, makes its debut in the showcase. With spectacular views promised from the 177m-high structure, which has been closed to the public since 1980 for security reasons, it’s sure to be a top draw. 

For those keen to take guided tours, there are a number of neighbourhood walks to show off public art and pockets of well-designed housing in local communities. SuperCroydon Suburbs, an architect-led walk, will tell the story of how this south London market town was transformed into a densely populated suburb since World War II. 

Another gem to see in the area is No 1 Croydon, formerly known as the NLA Tower, which has recently undergone a £4million revamp designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. Fans of Brutalist architecture will flock to the Barbican's Lauderdale Tower, completed in 1974 and designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon as part of the iconic estate.  A little further East is the famed Trellick Tower's little known sister, the BalfronTower. Designed by Ernö Goldfinger the penthouse flat of the Grade II listed 27-storey block is also part of the event for the first time and overlooks another treat, the 2012 Olympic Site. Tours across the park are available and will include Zaha Hadid's wave-shaped aquatics centre and Hopkins Architects' velodrome. 

In Richmond a series of homes in the famed 1960s Span Estate at Fieldend, designed by Eric Lyons, a former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, will be open for the first time.

Nominees for this year’s Stirling Prize Theis + Khan have Bateman's Row in Hackney on view. This mixed-use building features a ‘green’ roof and much exposed concrete, but most impressive is its clever sense of proportion and feeling of space for such a relatively small building.  

For a sense of discovery and a peek behind closed doors, Open House really is an event to make the most of.

For a full programme of properties, events and tours visit Open House