Pitched Black

RIBA London Regional Award Winner 2022

Pitched Black is a distinctive and highly crafted family home designed and built by Gruff Architects for one of the practice’s directors. Located on a constrained backland site within a conservation area in Brockley, south-east London, the project transforms significant site limitations into a bold and award-winning architectural statement.

The house is defined by a strong architectural contrast between materials and form. A light brick base anchors the building to its surroundings, while a striking black-clad upper storey with a pitched roof appears to sit confidently above. The angled geometry of the upper level reduces overlooking, protects neighbouring privacy, and gives the project its distinctive character.

Generous glazing and carefully positioned openings draw natural light deep into the interior and frame views of surrounding trees and landscape, creating a calm and private living environment despite the tight urban setting.

Pitched Black received a RIBA London Regional Award in 2022, recognising the project’s architectural quality, innovation, and sensitive resolution of a challenging site. The award highlights the success of the design in delivering a distinctive, well-crafted home within a complex urban context.