History of 22 Parkside
Built in Wimbledon in the late 1960s, 22 Parkside was designed by Richard + Su Rogers as a home for Richard Rogers’ parents. More than a family house, it became a laboratory for ideas that would help redefine British architecture. Discover its’ history.
A house that helped shape modern architecture
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, i it is, at its heart, a 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.. Today, it is recognised as a landmark of British modernism and an important example of early High-Tech architecture.
The house, sometimes known as the Rogers House or Wimbledon 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.
Richard + Su Rogers' early vision
Richard Rogers, Baron Rogers of Riverside (1933–2021), was one of Britain's most influential architects, celebrated for his modernist and functionalist designs. Alongside his first wife, Su Rogers, he helped pioneer the High-Tech architectural movement, characterised by flexibility, innovation and the expressive use of modern materials.
22 Parkside was one of the couple's earliest independent projects. It was designed shortly after they established their own practice in 1967 following the break-up of Team 4, the influential architectural partnership formed by Richard and Su Rogers (nee Brumwell) , Norman and Wendy Foster (nee Cheesman), and Georgie Wolton.
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 consultation room and space to welcome and host children and grandchildren. A separate studio building was also built which has housed a car port, guest accomodation and Dada's pottery studio at various times.
A pioneering design
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-storey pavilions around a central courtyard, creating privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding garden and being flooded with 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.
There is no doubt that 22 Parkside was one of the most important buildings that Richard created. It worked as a miniature prototype for the sort of approach we took in the Centre Pompidou.
A family home for more than 50 years
Since its completion in 1970, 22 Parkside has remained closely connected to the Rogers family. Several generations lived in and cared for the property, making it both an architectural landmark and a much-loved family home.
Between 2015 and 2020, the house entered a new chapter when it was used by Harvard Graduate School of Design as a centre for scholarship and academic fellowships. During this period, architect Philip Gumuchdjian oversaw a careful restoration that returned the building to its original appearance while supporting its use as a place of learning and research.
From family legacy to national heritage
The Rogers family approached the National Trust to explore donating the building for long-term protection and public benefit.
The Rogers family wanted to ensure that this extraordinary place would be protected, cared for and shared with future generations. Their vision closely aligns with the National Trust's purpose of caring for special places for everyone, for ever.
In many ways the building encapsulated the spirit of the 1960s. It was the essence of optimism. It is a tribute to the National Trust they have taken this initiative, this responsibility to preserve it for future generations, to visit, to enjoy.
Looking to the future
As 22 Parkside enters National Trust care, a new chapter begins. Alongside other modern architectural landmarks such as 2 Willow Road and The Homewood, it will help tell a broader story about innovation, design and modern Britain. The Trust is exploring ways to share the house through visits, learning programmes, partnerships and digital experiences, ensuring its stories reach audiences across the UK and beyond.
More than a family home, 22 Parkside is a place where ideas were tested, challenged and brought to life. By caring for it today, we can ensure that future generations continue to discover the creativity, experimentation and ambition that made it one of Britain's most influential modern houses.
22 Parkside: a modernist masterpiece
A bright yellow modernist house in south-west London, 22 Parkside in Wimbledon tells an important story about creativity, innovation and the changing face of modern Britain. That's why we're bringing this remarkable building into our care.
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