Architecture Discover how to make your modern conversion a reality, a new floating church and more

Three key ways to make your modern conversion a reality

London-based 31⁄44 Architects has built a new house at the end of a Victorian terrace in Peckham. Entitled ‘Corner House’, the three-bedroom property cleverly subverts the architectural characteristics of its traditional neighbours with details like a sloping entrance canopy and blind windows.

The practice adopted similar techniques on previous projects ‘Red House’ and ‘No.49’. Studio co-founder Will Burges reveals his three top tips for creating a modern house in an old streetscape:

Be kind to your neighbours ‘When you’re erecting a new house where people might not expect one, you have to work doubly hard to preserve the existing situation. People don’t like change, so you can’t impact their amenity spaces and you’ve got to be really careful where you put windows. We often write to the neighbours and offer to meet them and discuss any concerns they may have.’

Pay attention to the details ‘If you adopt a familiar detail from a neighbouring house, even if it’s slightly subverted, it means that the building doesn’t feel like a completely alien object to the existing surrounding residents. You’re showing that you care for the streets and have an appreciation for where this house is going to be, which will also help you get planning permission.’

Don’t shout too loud ‘You need to think strategically as an urban designer, rather than somebody that’s just selfishly interested in the house as a landmark or icon. We’re not really into that idea as architects; we like things to have a slightly calm quality.’ (3144architects.com).