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Wadhal completes Wade House in west London with subtle suburban subversion

architecture-design · 2026-06-08

Wadhal, an architecture firm, has finalized the construction of Wade House in Ruislip, located in west London, transforming old garages into a standalone residence that challenges typical suburban design. Due to stringent planning requirements, the design had to resemble the 1930s Metro-land-style homes in the vicinity. Fahad Malik, the founder of Wadhal, adhered to this guideline by incorporating a textured red-brick foundation, white render, and a dual-tone clay tile roof. The ground floor showcases red quarry tiles, Douglas fir woodwork, and minimalist white walls, featuring a reading nook by a bay window. The upper level boasts an exposed Douglas fir ceiling, skylights, two bedrooms, and a tiled bathroom, with ceiling heights approaching four metres. This project illustrates a movement towards reimagining suburban housing. Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Key facts

  • Wadhal completed Wade House in Ruislip, west London.
  • The house replaces a pair of dilapidated garages.
  • Strict planning regulations required the design to mimic 1930s Metro-land-style neighbours.
  • Founder Fahad Malik saw the regulations as an opportunity.
  • Exterior features textured red-brick base, white render, two-tone clay tile roof with concealed gutters.
  • A projecting dormer with timber slats references half-timbering of neighbouring buildings.
  • Interior has red quarry tiles, Douglas fir carpentry, minimalist white walls.
  • Semi-circular bay window motif repeated in gate latch, stained glass, kitchen island, patio.
  • First floor has exposed Douglas fir roof structure with skylights.
  • Ceiling heights are nearly four metres.
  • Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.

Entities

Artists

  • Fahad Malik
  • Lorenzo Zandri
  • Jack Brindley

Institutions

  • Wadhal
  • Dezeen
  • Harp and Harp
  • Studio Hallett Ike
  • House of EM
  • London Plan
  • Hillingdon Council
  • Greater London Authority

Locations

  • London
  • Ruislip
  • United Kingdom
  • Croydon
  • West London
  • Edinburgh
  • France

Sources