It feels like there’s a lot of new(er) architecture practices who have a very genuine interest in the act of building. This doesn’t fit the traditional stereotype of architects sketching incomprehensible edifices and expecting the poor builders to somehow make it work. Like all stereotypes, there’s a tiny bit of truth in it but it’s absolutely not a universal truth.

Surman Weston are amongst those who have a very active interest in not just designing buildings, but also in how they go together AND in actually putting them together themselves.

This site was an infil at the end of a terrace. I love the hit-and-miss bricks. Everything just feels a bit fun here. Like you wouldn’t be bored living in this house. Last year it was shortlisted for House of the Year so it’s definitely doing something right.

It’s one of a few projects I’ve photographed with SW, including a school of food in Hackney, and a pool house in a rural garden.