A History of Du Cane Court

Land, Architecture, People and Politics

Du Cane Court, in Balham, south-west London, is a popular art deco block of flats, which in its early days had a stylish restaurant and ballroom; and other social facilities, including rooms designated for playing billiards or cards, and even a reading and writing room. Originally, there were plans for squash courts and a children's crèche area, as well as roof gardens. The building has changed a lot over the years, but still has a beautiful foyer and attractive Japanese gardens, landscaped by Seyemon Kusumoto; and, at the time of its completion, had the distinction of being probably the largest block of privately-owned flats under one roof in Europe, and the first to employ pre-stressed concrete.