15-33, Minstead Gardens

TQ 21 73 NE WANDSWORTH, LB MINSTEAD GARDENS (east side)

1207/19/10069 Nos. 15-33 (Odd)

GV II

Staggered terrace of ten bungalows for old-age pensioners. Designed 1952-3; built 1957-8 by the London County Council's Architect's Department Housing Division, Colin Lucas Architect in Charge, J A Partridge, W G Howell, J A W Killick, S F Amis, J R Galley and R Stout job architects. Brick and concrete cross-wall construction with roughcast infill panels; flat roofs counterbalanced by high concrete stacks that give the group great character. The rectangle of each single-storey unit incorporates recessed porches to front and back. The glazing and panels under windows renewed in UPVC, to a pattern resembling the original. Flush timber doors follow the original pattern. Storage area, formerly a fuel store, incorporated in front wall. Retaining walls enclose a small garden area to front, at rear the open grassed area is part of the groups composition. Cobbles outside No. 33 a picturesque touch indicative of the attention paid to detail and landscape. Interiors comprise large single room with fireplace, linen cupboard and bed recess; kitchen and bathroom not of special interest. The groups of old people's dwellings are a charming feature of the Alton West development. Their small scale is a deliberate counterpoise to the the great slabs and point blocks around, a contrast futher exploited in the quirky, unexpected chimneys. This combination of very large and very tiny buildings exemplifies the concept of 'mixed development', with houses and flats to suit all ages and needs, of which Alton West is the ultimate expression. These bungalows also form a strong group with the C18 Mount Clare behind. 'Their informal tight grouping and open roadways achieve almost the character of the original parklands, yet these tiny units take their place exceedingly well with the tall blocks across the spine road and on the higher slope'. (Prefabrication, November 1958).

Listing NGR: TQ2167873938