Rotherhithe Old Road

At Rotherhithe Old Road, Ash Sakula took on the role of master-builders, designing and building the house as a self-build project – transforming a small terraced house into a cool and compact, eco-friendly dwelling. Working with a dynamic team of young builders, we transformed the often dark center of the house, typically overshadowed by extensions, into a bright, lively area. We reimagined the space by bringing in natural light and greenery, putting nature right at the heart of the home. Embracing the little charms and original details that make the character of a home, leaning into ‘make do and mend’. From terribly squeaky floorboards to walls that threatened to part ways—each patched up with a little bit of care and now good as new, with a fresh twist that still honours the home’s quirky past.

The garden didn’t need built-in planting beds or extensive landscaping to shine. Instead, patching up cracks in the existing slab and adding some deliberate dots of paint for a dynamic floor pattern, creates a bright and intriguing backdrop for a summer dinner party. An array of movable potted plants, creates a cost-effective, versatile, and visually stunning garden that’s both practical and full of charm.