End House woos the crowds at OPEN HOUSE 2011

End House, Edgley Design's project completed in 2010, was one of the houses open to the public at this years Open House 2011.

The house in Croften Park, South East London, saw over 400 curious Londoners walk through its doors on Saturday 17th September.

Hosted by Jake, myself, and the owner Michael and his Mother, we entertained the usual array of interesting personalities; intrigued neighbours, fellow architects, diy enthusiasts and 'Grand-Design-ers' all came in their droves to inspect and glean tips on the art of modern domestic house building.

It was great to see how the owner Michael had personalised the spaces with his own furniture and style, and we were also delighted to hear how much he enjoyed living there.



A lovely lunch and only one awkward customer later, Jake and I headed off to see some fellow Open House properties, which included 2 Ashmead Mews, and the Duggan Morris house Kings Grove, the private residence of principals Joe Morris and Mary Duggan. The building has a composition of rich materials; the pink hue of the internal brick and the oak cabinet panelling complimenting the brass details. Jake's highlight was the exotic brass strip on the impressive glazing units. If it's open next year, go and see it, if only to have a nosey at their offices beautifully crafted models!

Thanks to all who came!

"11 Flirts"_Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB)

The exhibition "11 Flirts", which is part of the TAB, is open from 9th-25th September in Tallinn, Estonia. http://www.tab.ee/#exhibition

I am exhibiting a perspex and steel hanging installation amongst an incredible collection of masterpieces within Kadriorg Palace, the 18th century Baroque summer residence built for Peter the Great in 1718. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadriorg_Palace

A couple of months ago Villem Tomiste approached me to exhibit in the curated exhibition "11 Flirts", through an article of my work on dezeen http://www.dezeen.com/2011/06/28/london-without-bees-by-ben-kirk/.

I visited the city this weekend for the opening of the exhibition, and other TAB parties, which were great. One of Europe's most enchanting cities (according to the Lonely Planet), the meandering cobbled streets and beautifully restored mediaeval Old Town are the perfect place for a city break. And if you fancy some modern design with your steaks, turrets, cannon balls and cassocks, then Tallinn and specifically Kadriorg Palace is the place for you!!

End House Opens its Doors

Open House London is happening again on the 17 - 18th September, and as part of the city's annual architectural showcase, End House is open to visitors on the Saturday from 9-2.30pm.
The event provides the opportunity to go and scout around architectural gems that are usually closed to the prying eye. We are looking forward to visiting a favorite project of ours by Duggan Morris Architects in Kings Grove - a great example of clean beautiful detailing.

Check out other spaces flinging open their doors . . . www.londonopenhouse.org/index.html