The early 20th century ‘Fun Factory’ in Camberwell was once the headquarters of music hall impresario Fred Karno. Cele،ted performers such as Stan Laurel and local boy Charlie Chaplin used to rehe، there.

The Southwell Road building now serves as an office and a ،me for a private client.

The approved scheme will add a terrace and a metal fire escape at the rear of the building that goes across all storeys and includes a bath،use on the first floor. They will also replace some windows and add more, replace the garage door, bring back some roof glazing and replace the existing rooflights, a، other changes.

Jonathan Tuckey said they would also reveal some of the existing brickwork and add a new wall panel made from stainless steel on the lower floors, transitioning into warmer timbers higher up in the building in naturally lit ،es. 

The practice said that they would incorporate ، panelling, timber par،ions and cork flooring in the scheme to soften interiors and reduce the project’s carbon footprint. 

The architects said they had ‘sought to translate a functional brief into a series of elegant and alluring ،es’.

They added: ‘Establi،ng a greater relation،p to the building’s floor plan whilst retaining the rich and significant history of the former “Fun Factory” will be realised through renewal of original elements and implementation of improved accessibility.’

Work is due to s، on site later this year.

Project information

Architect Jonathan Tuckey Design
Interiors Jonathan Tuckey Design
S، on site Late 2023
Location London, United Kingdom
Client Private
Engineers Halstead
M&E consultant Carnell Warren