Langham House Close

Hidden away in a quiet corner of Ham Common, London, lies Langham House Close. It’s a place where concrete whispers stories of architectural innovation, a testament to the genius of James Stirling and James Gowan. Langham House Close isn’t just a collection of flats. It’s a piece of architectural history. Designed in 1955 and built between 1957 and 1958, it was the first major project for this dynamic duo. Commissioned by the Manousso Group, the development emerged from the former garden of a Georgian manor house, marking a stark contrast to the traditional architecture surrounding it. Langham House Close comprises three distinct blocks. Stirling designed the three-story main block, constructed primarily of stock brick and concrete. Gowan designed the two, two-story “garden pavilion” blocks, mirroring each other across the close. The buildings’ flat roofs and exposed concrete surfaces immediately set them apart, a bold statement in the post-war architectural landscape. The design was a clear departure from the curtain-walled public housing popular at the time. Look closely and you’ll notice the concrete gargoyles adorning the main block, their design inspired by Le Corbusier’s works. Stirling, a known admirer of Le Corbusier, incorporated these distinctive features as a nod to the modernist master. Inside, the flats at Langham House Close continue the theme of innovative design. Each flat boasts a unique fireplace, crafted from the same stock brick and concrete as the exterior. These central features serve as dividers, separating living spaces from kitchens. The varying number of bedrooms and thoughtfully placed windows add to the unique character of each flat. Langham House Close was listed as Grade II in 1998, later upgraded to Grade II* in 2006. This recognition underscores its significance in British architectural history, solidifying its status as a true modernist masterpiece. Langham House Close stands as a reminder of a time when architects dared to challenge conventions, a testament to the enduring power of innovative design.