1968 to the present day

Set beside Wimbledon Common in south-west London, 22 Parkside is one of the most important modern houses built in Britain during the 20th century. Designed by Richard + Su Rogers between 1968 and 1970, it is, at its heart, a wonderful family home where four generations have lived but, built as a prototype, it also tested new ideas and materials in a way that shaped Richard Rogers' later work and proved globally influential.

The house, sometimes known as the Rogers House, sits within a narrow- wooded plot opposite Wimbledon Common. In 2013 it was awarded Grade II* listed status in recognition of its exceptional architectural and historic importance. Historic England described it as an "early, executed example of a High-Tech, steel-framed house in Britain" and a highly significant surviving building from an important moment in post-war architecture.

The commission came from Richard's parents, Nino and Dada Rogers. His mother wanted a house with imagination and flair, a deliberate contrast to the more conventional suburban home she had never loved. His father, a doctor, wanted a practical retirement home with a consulting room and space to welcome and host children and grandchildren. A separate studio building was also built which has housed a car port, guest accommodation and Dada's pottery studio at various times. The finished building reflected many of the ideas that would later define Richard Rogers' career. Constructed from prefabricated components, it features a yellow-painted steel frame, extensive glazing and flexible open-plan interiors. The house and studio are arranged as separate single-story pavilions around a central courtyard, creating privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding garden and flooded by natural light.

The design drew inspiration from lightweight Californian houses created by architects including Charles Eames, Raphael Soriano and Craig Ellwood. Richard and Su Rogers adapted these ideas for Britain, experimenting with factory-made components, dry construction techniques and adaptable internal spaces. Features such as sliding partitions, integrated storage and a freestanding kitchen unit allowed the home to evolve with the needs of its occupants.

Richard Rogers later reflected that many of the principles explored at 22 Parkside informed projects that followed, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Lloyd's Building in London. The Guardian described the house as a key early project in which ideas later seen in those internationally recognised buildings were first developed.

The Wimbledon Open House Festival Collection

Landmarks, Faith, Architecture and Community in Merton
Wimbledon Village is often associated with tennis and the Common, But lying between the Common and Wimbledon town, this cluster of buildings tells the story of a community across three centuries. From a medieval parish site to a striking 1960s tent-roofed church, from a windmill that once ground corn, to a Victorian engineer's final resting place. This Open House Festival, step inside these landmarks, sacred, civic and domestic, and discover the layers of history, craftsmanship and community life that shape the area today.

PLEASE NOTE: Everything listed here is opening on SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER as part of the Open House Festival. Actual opening times will vary so please check the individual listings for times.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: The area also boasts a wonderful selection of shops, bars and cafes to cater for your every need while visiting. You are guaranteed a warm welcome!

Walking map route on Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6sr2o5anemypXwhZA
ST MARK’S CHURCH: St. Mark's Place, SW19 7ND
A striking pentagonal church of 1968–69, where a tent-like timber roof and a glowing frieze of abstract stained glass by Keith New create one of Wimbledon's most surprising mid-century interiors.
15 EDGE HILL
New build rear extension to Victorian house, entailing extensive remodelling of ground floor to create a large open plan flow-through living, dining and kitchen space.
SACRED HEART CHURCH: Edge Hill, Wimbledon
Marvel at this great expression of grand ecclesiastical architecture, designed by Frederick Walters and built in stages between 1887 and 1901
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH: Spencer Hill, SW19 4NZ
A Grade II listed Victorian Gothic church of 1875 by Sir Thomas Jackson, celebrated for its soaring red-brick nave, fine stone tracery and unusual buttress-mounted bellcote.
WIMBLEDON VILLAGE CLUB AND LECTURE HALL: 26 Lingfield Road (corner of Ridgway), SW19 4QD
Founded in 1916, peek behind the doors of this Victorian Gothic village hall of 1858, home to England's oldest continuously used social club and the Wimbledon Museum's 3,000-year local story.
ROGERS HOUSE: 22 Parkside SW19 5NA
Built as a private house for his parents, the project encapsulates Rogers' vision of a home built using industrially manufactured components. As such it was seen as a prototype for mass affordable housing. Opening for the Festival in association with The Wimbledon Society
WIMBLEDON WINDMILL MUSEUM: Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, SW19 5NR
Climb inside a rare surviving hollow post mill of 1817, later home to six families and the spot where Robert Baden-Powell wrote part of Scouting for Boys, now a charming volunteer-run museum.
ST MARY’S CHURCH: 30 St Mary's Road, SW19 7BP
St Mary’s is Wimbledon’s ancient parish church and is a Grade II* listed building on a site of worship dating to the Domesday Book, rebuilt in 1843 by Sir George Gilbert Scott and packed with centuries of local history.
ST MARY’S GARDEN HALL: 30 St Mary's Road, SW19 7BP
Take a look inside this award-winning contemporary hall designed by Terry Pawson Architects, whose glazed wall folds open onto the churchyard garden and brings a light, modern addition to the historic St Mary's site.
BAZALGETTE MAUSOLEUM: St Mary's Church, 30 St Mary's Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7BP
Located within St Mary’s churchyard, this is the atmospheric Portland stone resting place of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the engineer behind London's sewer network, in a rare chance to see this Heritage-at-Risk mausoleum up close.
WIMBLEDON VILLAGE: Shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and beautiful architecture – A perfect end to your visit.
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Together these places reveal Wimbledon Village as a place of extraordinary architectural, religious and cultural diversity. Whether you're drawn by Gothic spires, mid-century design, engineering history or a glimpse of contemporary residential architecture, Wimbledon Village has something for every Open House explorer. Wander the area, meet the volunteers and custodians who keep these buildings alive, and see it through new eyes. We look forward to welcoming you.