Exterior Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bristow Mews | © Taran Wilkhu

Situated in Streatham, South East London, Bristow Mews is a residential development that transforms a former coach house and derelict garages into housing. The project maintains the site’s historical essence while integrating modern design principles. The development consists of three homes: a refurbished coach house and two new builds designed to respond to its urban and environmental context.

Bristow Mews Technical Information

Structurally the scheme was challenging because the spaces are very open plan, it would have been easier to break that up with walls but we worked hard to maintain the quality of space.

– MW Architects

Bristow Mews Photographs

Window Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Bricj facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Brick Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Entrance Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Living Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Living Room Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Dining Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Kitchen Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu
Round table Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
© Taran Wilkhu

Bristow Mews Architectural Approach

The project is behind houses facing Palace Road, accessible through a narrow lane once used for horse-drawn carriages. This adaptive reuse strategy preserves the traditional mews atmosphere while integrating contemporary construction. The project’s adjacency to a covered reservoir grants residents unobstructed views, an uncommon feature in a dense urban environment.

Matt Heath initially conceptualized the project, and MW Architects was responsible for the detailed design and execution. This is their first collaboration with developer This is Kinland. The project seeks to balance quality and feasibility, differing from volume-driven housing models.

MW Architects, known for their private residential projects, approached Bristow Mews as an opportunity to apply their experience to small-scale speculative development. The result is a space composition emphasizing material selection and structural integrity over standardized developer constraints.

Design Analysis & Materiality

Bristow Mews comprises three residences, each with a distinct spatial approach. House 1, positioned to the south, benefits from elevated living spaces that maximize available views. The two additional homes prioritize open-plan configurations while maintaining structural integrity.

The project balances solid and void, with large openings allowing natural light into the interiors. The distribution of private gardens and a shared courtyard encourages a sense of community within the development.

Externally, the development features a brick-and-block cavity wall system with a herringbone brick pattern, which references traditional masonry techniques. The brickwork emphasizes durability and aesthetic depth.

Internally, the houses incorporate oak joinery in stair treads, wardrobes, and bathroom vanities. The material palette also includes paint, micro-cement kitchen worktops, and polished concrete floors. contributection includes Craig & Rose’s ‘Morris Blue’ and ‘Comiston’, and Little Greene’s ‘Harley Green’. Kitchen cabinetry is finished in spray-painted hues with metal folded handles, while Smith & Goat concrete sinks are used in the bathrooms.

Sustainability & Technical Innovations

Bristow Mews incorporates sustainability features that improve energy efficiency. Key elements include:

  • Air Source Heat Pumps for heating and hot water,

  • High insulation values for thermal performance,

  • Green roofs for biodiversity and reducing urban heat gain,

  • Double- and triple-glazed windows for thermal and acoustic insulation,

  • Electric vehicle charging stations.

These strategies improve energy performance while maintaining traditional construction techniques.

A key challenge was maintaining open-plan configurations without compromising stability. Instead of additional structural elements, MW Architects developed a system that preserves visual continuity and spatial openness. The detailing in joinery, tiling, and materials underscores an emphasis on construction quality over expedience.

Bristow Mews Plans

Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Ground Level | © MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
First Floor | © MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Elevations | © MW Architects

Bristow Mews Image Gallery

Exterior Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Exterior Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Main Facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Window Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Entrance Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
White Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Tree Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Table Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Stairs Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Stairs Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Stairs Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Space Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Sofa Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Shelves Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Rug Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Round table Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Rear facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plant Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Pink Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Living Room Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Living Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Lamps Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Kitchen Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Kitchen
Kitchen Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Kicthen Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Interior Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
House Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Dining Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Details Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Desk Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Counter Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Couch Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Closet Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Chairs Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Chair Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bthroom Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Brick Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bricj facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Balcony Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bathroom Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bed pillows Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bed Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Blue Floor Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Blue Facade Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Bedroom Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects
Plans Bristow Mews Houses in London by MW Architects

About MW Architects

MW Architects is a London-based architectural studio specializing in high-end private residential projects and boutique developer-led schemes. Founded by Matthew Wood, the firm is known for its meticulous attention to detail, innovative material applications, and commitment to crafting refined, livable spaces. Their portfolio spans bespoke home renovations, new-build residences, and adaptive reuse projects, strongly emphasizing contextual sensitivity, spatial fluidity, and sustainability. Notable works include Essex Mews for SolidSpace and Bristow Mews, where the firm’s expertise in architecture and interior design is evident in the seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

Credits and Additional Notes
  1. Construction System: Brick and block cavity walls
  2. Facade Material: Brick laid in herringbone pattern
  3. Interior Materials: Oak joinery, Bauwerk lime paint, polished concrete floors, micro-cement kitchen worktops
  4. Structural Engineers: Richard Tant Associates
  5. Landscape Design: GDRN
  6. Main Contractor: CT Built
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