Rusty House on the Rye
— Peckham, London
A weathered Corten steel clad two storey extension and renovation of a 1950s house located in the Holly Grove conservation area.
Client — Private
Sector — Residential
Nature — Two storey extension, renovation + landscaping
rusty — legacy
Rusty House on the Rye is a 1950s property located in the Holly Grove conservation area of Peckham. The house was renovated and extended — upgrading the thermal efficiency of the existing house and providing a new kitchen / dining space, utility, office, snug, master bedroom, ensuite shower room and walk in wardrobe.
After 12 years of living in the house, the owner was keen to improve it rather than move. The existing house needed updating, including resolving damp and ventilation issues, and upgrading the building fabric to be more energy efficient.
The approach was to design an extension that would sit well with the surrounding conservation area and the host terrace without resorting to pastiche. The design, based on simple monolithic forms, sits comfortably in its context.
The house is on a prominent site, and forms a landmark between Peckham's buzzing Rye Lane and Bellenden Road. Rusty House on the Rye represents more than just a design project — it is a meaningful contribution to to the community and a visible, lasting addition to the neighbourhood.
Weathered Corten steel was chosen for the cladding to complement the tone of the house’s red brick, to introduce a visually striking element to the design and for its durable and sustainable qualities. The steel’s patina, which develops a rusty, brown colour over time, was accelerated then sealed to create the desired look upon installation.
Additional insulation and triple-glazed windows were added to enhance the existing house’s thermal performance. The materials throughout the house were carefully sourced, with a focus on UK-based suppliers.
The internal aesthetic goal was to create a simple, calm atmosphere using natural materials to add warmth and texture. Ash window surrounds and bespoke joinery, oak parquet flooring, and concrete tiles were used to create a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired interior.
Natural daylight was a key element, with rooflights over the stairwell, master bedroom and ensuite shower room, and large windows throughout.
Photography: FRENCH+TYE
