London ( CNN ) -- British architect Marcus Lee is sat on a deck chair outside his family home in east London as a steady queue of strangers casually wanders in and out , taking photographs , pointing at various items of furniture and systematically inspecting every last bedroom , bathroom and cupboard . `` I 've spotted someone peering into my underwear drawer , but that 's fine , '' he says . Lee is the brave owner of one of many hundreds of private homes , workplaces and municipal building scattered across London that opened their doors to the viewing public over the weekend for the capital city 's annual `` Open House '' event . Watch Daniel Libeskind on Great Buildings . The initiative , which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year , is designed to highlight some of London 's most architecturally significant buildings -- the majority of which would otherwise be closed to the general public . `` It 's the best way to get under the skin and become more knowledgeable about the capital 's architecture , '' explains Victoria Thornton , founding director of Open House . It 's also the best way for the city 's nosiest neighbors to have a jolly good snoop . While Lee 's remarkable home -- built from a pre-fabricated timbre frame of frost-hardy Siberian larch -- has won numerous architectural awards , that 's not the only reason it has drawn a crowd . See more : Your favorite buildings . `` It 's a beautifully designed home , and I love how open the space is and how bright it is , '' said 21-year-old graphic design student Laura Coren . `` But , I have to admit , I also love looking at the photo albums on the wall , the book collection and all the stylish art works . '' Lee 's home is a new-build , incorporating the latest in rainwater capture systems and sustainable building methods . But just a few minutes down the road , in the trendy east-London borough of Hackney , is one of the city 's most historic residences . Sutton House was built in 1535 , when King Henry VIII ruled over England and this part of London -- now busy with cars and tower blocks -- was set against miles of open grassland . See more : Heritage sites in peril . One of the first Tudor homes to be made from brick , many of its original features -- including a vast stone fireplace and a wall of intricately carved dark wood panels -- remain to this day . `` I think [ Open House ] is great for engaging local people with the architectural heritage of their community , '' says Robyn Finne , custodian of Sutton House on behalf of the UK 's National Trust organization . Finne explains that the building is part Tudor , part Georgian and part Victorian . `` In its time it has functioned as a home , a church , a school and even a squat ... it embodies the changing face of London , '' she said . While many people are keen to immerse themselves in the hidden heritage of their hometown , others are simply looking for inspiration and a few DIY tricks . Over the entire weekend , James Wright was giving scheduled tours of his converted Victorian home . Though distinctive for its sleek , minimalist interior , the conversion is exceptional for its application energy-saving and environmentally friendly materials . `` I 'm participating in Open House because I want to inspire people to do the same with their home , '' he said . During his tour , Wright explained in detail how to install evacuated solar water heating tubes and how best to insulate period sash window frames without diminishing their appearance . But it was n't enough . As soon as he 'd finished talking , Wright was inundated with queries . In a typical exchange , an elderly man asked Wright if the paint he had used throughout was chemical free . Before he could answer , another lady demanded to know : `` And is it easily wipeable ? '' On the buses and trains in between venues , fellow Open House attendees were identifiable by the conspicuous green guidebook in their hands . `` Even though you 're being welcomed in , it sill feels a little bit naughty '' said 29 year-old Londoner Becky Stevens , on her way to catch a glimpse from the top of the iconic `` Gherkin '' tower -- Norman Foster 's elliptical skyscaper in London 's financial district . `` Let the tourists stare up at Big Ben and the Tower of London , '' said Stevens , with a conspiratorial smile , `` Open House is like a little secret treat for the locals . ''
London Open House weekend offers chance to visit buildings and spaces otherwise closed to the public . Both private and public buildings open their doors in the annual event which attracts thousands of people . The first day is a free admission for all visitors, but on Saturday there will be an additional charge of £15 per person if you want to enter any building or space that has been closed