Grade II* listing for house designed by high-tech pioneer
Lord Rogers’ innovative building has ‘stood the test of time’.
A private home in Wimbledon, London, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Lord Richard Rogers has been listed by Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey.
The building, which dates between 1968 and 1970, has a clear link to the Pompidou Centre, which was developed at the same time. Lord Rogers himself regards it as the best example of his practice’s earlier work.
Grade II* listed buildings are particularly important and of more than special interest. Listed building consent must be applied for in order to make any changes to the structure which might affect its special interest. The vast majority of buildings are listed Grade II. Only 8% of buildings are listed Grade I or II*; and only 0.2% of all listed buildings in the UK were built after 1945.
“Outstanding and innovative”
On announcing the listing, on the advice of English Heritage, Ed Vaizey said: “This is an outstanding and innovative example of a high-tech steel frame house that has clearly stood the test of time. Though many will always associate Lord Rogers with iconic works like the Lloyds Building in London, the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the National Assembly of Wales in Cardiff, this much earlier building is highly significant too; a masterpiece from one of the most imaginative and exciting periods in private house building in this country.”
Richard Rogers said: “I was born in Italy and spent my early life surrounded by beautiful, historic and modern architecture and this has had an effect on all my work. My mother loved to cook and so the open plan kitchen is the heart of the house where family and friends could gather, very much in the Italian way.
“Today, my son Ab Rogers and his family live and work in the house and have adapted it to suit their needs.”