Bristow Mews | Taran WilkhuSituated 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 sites 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 InformationArchitects1-6: MW ArchitectsLocation: Streatham, SE London, United KingdomClient/Developer: This is KinlandBuilding Levels: 2Completion Year: 2022Photographs: Taran WilkhuStructurally 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 ArchitectsBristow Mews Photographs Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran Wilkhu Taran WilkhuBristow Mews Architectural ApproachThe 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 projects 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 & MaterialityBristow 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 systemwith a herringbone brick pattern, which referencestraditional masonry techniques. The brickwork emphasizes durability and aesthetic depth.Internally, the houses incorporate oak joinery in stair treads, wardrobes, and bathroom vanities. The materialpalette also includes paint, micro-cement kitchen worktops, and polished concrete floors. contributection includes Craig & Roses Morris Blue and Comiston, and Little Greenes 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 InnovationsBristow 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 PlansGround Level | MW ArchitectsFirst Floor | MW ArchitectsElevations | MW ArchitectsBristow Mews Image GalleryAbout MW ArchitectsMW 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 firms expertise in architectureand interior design is evident in the seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.Credits and Additional NotesConstruction System: Brick and block cavity wallsFacade Material: Brick laid in herringbone patternInterior Materials: Oak joinery, Bauwerk lime paint, polished concrete floors, micro-cement kitchen worktopsStructural Engineers: Richard Tant AssociatesLandscape Design: GDRNMain Contractor: CT Built