Open House London 2014: Brixton buildings to explore

Open House London is taking place later this month on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September and boasts eight properties in Brixton, with many more in Lambeth and over 850 spread over the whole of London.

The weekend strives to promote public awareness and appreciation of the capital’s building design and architecture and is free to attend. We’ve rounded up the  Brixton buildings opening their doors, when you can visit and what to expect.

1. Akerman Health Centre
Address: 60 Patmos Street, SW9 6AF
Opening times: Saturday 20th only, 1pm-4pm
Activities: Architect-led tours running every half an hour, with the last one starting at 3.30pm
We say: Your chance to explore a building which has been heralded as a ‘cathedral for health’ and a ‘late monument to the NHS’. Even if your surgery is within the building, this could be your chance to learn more and see the building with fresh eyes… unlike when you’re waiting for your late-running appointment. 

2. Brixton Windmill
Address: Blenheim Gardens, SW2 5ET
Opening times: Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-5pm
Activities: Half-hourly tours, duration 40 mins pre-book only on 07587 170 029. Short tours to first floor, first come basis, duration 20 mins
We say: A great opportunity to explore Brixton’s most unique landmark building. We’re hoping they’ll be selling their fantastic cakes on site too.

Read our profile of Brixton Windmill.

3. Brockwell Lido
Address: Dulwich Road, SE24 0AP
Opening times: 9am-1pm Saturday only
Activities: Regular tours, first come basis. (Pool open at normal charge).
We say: Why not combine health and heritage and go for a swim before learning about the building? A great chance to learn more about the period style of the lido which opened to bathers for the first time in 1937. 

Read more about Brockwell Lido’s unique design 

4. City Heights E-ACT Academy
Address: 33 Abbots Park, SW2 3PW
Opening times: 10am-1pm Saturday only
Activities: Regular tours taking place which must be pre-booked on admin@chea.org.uk.
We say: The only school in the Brixton area opens it’s doors, City Heights was built as an exemplary green building and completed earlier this year. 

5. Cressingham Gardens
Address: Cressingham Gardens Rotunda SW2 2QN
Opening times: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm
Activities: Regular tours, first come basis. Exhibition in Rotunda.
We say: If you’ve been tracking the story of Cressingham Gardens, this is your chance to get to know first-hand about how passionate the residents are about their homes and community. Designed by Ted Hollamby (the architect also behind the Barrier Block) the low rise estate mirrors the forms and patterns of nature in neighbouring Brockwell Park. 

Read more about the uncertain future of Cressingham Gardens here.

6. The Brix at St Matthews
Address: Brixton Hill, SW2 1JF
Opening times: Saturday only, 10am-5pm
Activities: Tours at 15 past the hour throughout the day
We say: Find out how a classical Greek style church has had a new lease of life, now converted to provide accommodation as well as spaces for work, worship, refreshment and entertainment.  

 Read our profile of St Matthew’s Church

7. The Mulberry Centre, Myatt’s Fields Park
Address: Myatt’s Fields Park, SE5 9LP
Opening times: Saturday only, 10am-1pm
Activities: Tours at 15 past the hour throughout the day
We say: A recent addition to the park, The Mulberry Centre hosts the One O Clock Club for parents and toddlers, as well as numerous family activities throughout the year. There’s a fantastic playground next to the building in Myatt’s Fields, so if you;re looking for s0mewhere to take the family, the Brixton/Camberwell border could hold the answer. 

8. 54 Cambria Road
Address: 54 Cambria Road, SE5 9ES
Opening times: Saturday only, 10am-5pm
Activities: Informal discussion around eco conversion of Nineteenth Century housing stock. Artist and owner Grant Smith will run a workshop for children building nesting boxes for birds from recycled wood.
We say: Grant Smith worked with architects and carpenters to make his converted Victorian home carbon neutral and as self-sustaining as possible. Pick up ideas for how to make your home more sustainable and chat about common problems and solutions for sustainable living in the modern city. 

Read the full programme of Open House London 2014 participating buildings online here. 

 Remember to check out our Brix and Mortar series to find out more about Brixton’s other landmark buildings.