The house that Jencks built
The Holland Park home of late cultural historian and landscape designer Charles Jencks is set to become a site of architectural pilgrimage when it opens its doors to the public this month. At street level, there’s little clue that The Cosmic House diverts so spectacularly from its stuccoed neighbours – to call it a conversion undersells the total metamorphosis of this Victorian villa, masterminded by Jencks, his wife Maggie Keswick and architect Terry Farrell in 1978. Rich in symbolism, reference and wit, its transportive interior remains a powerful manifesto for postmodernism. As well as group tours, a programme of talks and exhibitions is planned for a new gallery space. Opens 24 September (thecosmichouse.com).