4, Beechworth Close

Private house with linked garage, built in 1961 by Patrick Gwynne for Max and Anne Bruh. The house is arranged on a square plan of two storeys around a central open top-lit stairwell, with the upper floor set back slightly. The building demonstrates Gwynne's characteristic use of contrasting materials and innovative design.

The structural system uses reinforced concrete floor slabs supported on a central staircase well, with the slabs exposed externally in black Glamorock cladding. The ground floor features non-loadbearing grey brickwork infill, while the first floor is rendered in white Mineralite, with extensive areas of glazing throughout. A slightly pyramidal roof, felt covered, culminates in a central skylight.

The ground floor accommodates a projecting single-storey utility room and a covered link to the garage. An inset patio to the living room at the rear has a white side wall and ceiling, with a black timber surround to a full-height window and patio door. Above, a balcony to the master bedroom features a white rail at matching height to adjoining window sills. Windows are sliding black casements set in neat white-framed surrounds; those to the kitchen and smaller first-floor rooms have inset dark soffits beneath, continuing the dark-and-light contrasts established by the cladding. Bathrooms have pair of still higher windows. A semi-abstract figure appears on the side wall. The garage has timber doors, with a covered link on steel posts leading to black double vertically-boarded doors topped by a broad light that continues as clerestory-height glazing to the adjoining lobby and kitchen. A tradesman's entrance is located in the projecting utility area.

The interior represents one of Gwynne's finest and most complete surviving schemes. A panelled entrance hall opens to a double-height staircase lobby. The staircase features a terrazzo floor and steps with projecting white treads, a partly open balustrade with glass panels and timber handrail, and a black mosaic panel beneath. Concealed cupboards and inset display alcoves with individual lighting are integral to the stairwell design.

The L-shaped living room incorporates a dining area marked by a fixed room divider of open shelves and cupboards, continuing the black and white theme and the long line of an adjoining hearth containing a low fireplace and display shelves, which steps up to the dining area. The black and white palette contrasts with the natural-coloured original wall fabric; a black and gold Chinese patterned panel sits within the timber-lined dining area. Natural timber surrounds all windows internally.

A study features fixed shelving and rosewood cupboards which swivel to reveal a pull-out desk and concealed storage for appliances. The kitchen has white tiles and orange mosaic with original timber-fronted cupboards, inset display alcoves, and a call system for domestic staff. Original fitted cupboards and fixtures are retained in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Doors throughout retain natural timber finishes. The design represents Gwynne's mastery of diverse materials and his innovative approach to fitted furniture, built-in alcoves for display, and concealed storage. The house fully satisfied the client's brief for a dwelling that "would be easy to run, with a certain toughness to withstand the mild ravages which even the nicest teenagers are liable to perpetrate". While Gwynne designed other smaller houses on similar central-plan principles, notably four built in Coombe, Kingston-upon-Thames, this house is exceptional within his oeuvre in its wide range of materials and the careful, imaginative design of its built-in features. The work demonstrates simplicity, directness, and confidence in every detail of design.