A Putney home built from an exposed steel structure that turns a suburban extension into a bold architectural statement built around precision.
Richmond upon Thames, London
The project transforms a 1930s Putney home with a striking, minimalist extension, a new loft conversion, a two-storey side extension, and a carefully orchestrated open-plan interior. The project adds 100 square metres of space, integrating two new bedrooms above while reimagining the ground floor as a fluid entertaining space that seamlessly connects to the garden.
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The extension features a visibly floating corten exoskeleton that frames the slimline glass sliding doors behind. From the moment one enters, views through the house reveal glimpses of the corten frame, which aligns precisely with the glazing to create a seamless connection to the sunken terrace outside. The main corten beam appears to float over two lower feature frames, which themselves hover above the concrete terrace, giving the composition a delicate yet impactful presence. The millimetre accuracy of the prefabricated steel frames ensures the minimalist floating aesthetic is realised perfectly.
Inside, the ground floor is organised into clearly defined spaces through subtle architectural gestures. The kitchen is framed by brick piers and separated from the dining area via an up-and-over rooflight that floods the space with natural light. The dining table is centred on a vertical carved brick slot wall, which aligns with a linear lighting trough above and the geometry of the adjacent rooflight. This precise orchestration of elements creates a cohesive, visually stimulating composition that reads differently from multiple angles. By night, the slot wall and trough are illuminated as one continuous feature, while a large pendant above the dining table adds warmth and emphasis.
The interior design emphasises materiality and considered detailing. Polished concrete floors extend seamlessly from the interior to the sunken terrace, reinforcing the connection between inside and out. Exposed brick piers, oak joinery, and soft stone surfaces provide tactility and warmth, balancing the subtle industrial quality of the corten frame and steel elements. Every element—from integrated cabinetry to carefully proportioned furniture—was designed to be functional while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
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The loft conversion and side extension provide additional bedrooms while maintaining a domestic scale for each space. The geometry of each architectural element is carefully related to others, ensuring visual harmony throughout. This approach allows the open-plan ground floor to feel generous and interconnected, while the upper floors offer privacy and comfort.
The project required close coordination with specialist contractors and structural engineers. The corten exoskeleton and glazing were integrated into a 3D BIM model, adjusted with site surveys to guarantee perfect alignment. Prefabricated in sections, the corten frame was then assembled onsite with the precision necessary to achieve the floating effect. Reclaimed materials were also used for the brick piers and external walls, ensuring continuity in texture and tone.
This project demonstrates how architectural precision, materiality, and carefully orchestrated geometry can transform a suburban home. The result is a light-filled, dynamic interior where form, function, and visual drama coexist harmoniously, offering a distinctive and highly personalised living environment.