corten steel extension by studio on the rye modernizes 1950s home in london

studio on the rye revives rusty house on the rye in peckham

Located in Peckham’s Holly Grove Conservation Area, Rusty House on the Rye is a 1950s property in Peckham, South London, that has been renovated and extended by studio on the rye. The transformation by the UK-based architects balances modern standards of comfort and sustainability with respect for the site’s historic character. Driven by the client’s desire to improve their existing home, the concept focuses on enhancing thermal efficiency, optimizing living spaces, and crafting a refined architectural aesthetic rooted in transparency and simplicity.

Externally, the monolithic extension is clad in weathered Corten steel, chosen for its rich, rusty patina envisioned to evolve over time that harmonizes with the red brick of the original house. This materiality, along with recessed gutters and shadow gaps, creates a clear distinction between the historic structure and its contemporary addition.

all images by FRENCH+TYE

the monolithic extension echoes the brick volume’s integrity

The project got off the ground in early 2023, completed by an all-female team led by architect Sarah Borowiecka, director of studio on the rye. In response to the client’s wishes, a two-story extension was planned while maintaining side access from the front garden into the rear. The garden was a standout feature and integral to the identity of Rusty House on the Rye. Additionally, a larger kitchen was developed to accommodate working from home, a snug, a utility room, and a new master bedroom. The existing home also needed updates, including resolving damp and ventilation issues and modernising the rooms to be more energy-efficient.

Located in the Holly Grove Conservation Area, the project faced tighter restrictions to preserve the characteristics of the neighbourhood. studio on the rye’s approach was to design an extension that would fit in with the surrounding area without resorting to pastiche. It opted for a modern idiom that would sit comfortably with both the 1950s house and the more historical buildings nearby. Avoiding the common approach of using brick — difficult to match with the existing house — studio on the rye chose weathered Corten steel for the cladding. This choice not only complemented the tone of the house’s red brick but also introduced an unusual and visually striking element to the design. The steel’s patina, which develops a rusty, brown color over time, was accelerated to create the desired look upon installation. This weathered appearance harmonised with both the existing structure and the conservation area.

located in Peckham’s Holly Grove Conservation Area

integrating energy efficient systems and materials

For the architects, the biggest technical challenge was working with Corten steel. Though durable, its rusting process can cause rainwater runoff to stain surrounding finishes. To avoid this, a sealant was applied to prevent further rusting and protect the concrete floor tiles below. The studio also spent considerable time collaborating with metal suppliers and the contractor to develop a fixing method for the steel panels, ensuring a seamless, sleek look. In the master bedroom, the corner windows created an additional challenge for blackout conditions, as no standard off-the-shelf shutters were available. studio on the rye designed bespoke sliding MDF shutters that could be concealed in the walls, offering both aesthetic and functional solutions.

Another key design consideration was how to connect the house more effectively with the rear garden, compensating for the loss of some side garden space. Large sliding doors, a glazed corner in the kitchen, and expansive windows were introduced to create a seamless transition between the interior and the garden, allowing the outdoors to feel like an extension of the home. Insulation improvements, triple-glazed windows, and an energy-efficient bioethanol stove were also added to enhance the home’s sustainability.

studio on the rye renovates and extends a 1950s property

The design added significant floor space, including a kitchen/dining area, utility room, and snug on the ground floor, and a master bedroom with an ensuite shower room and walk-in wardrobe on the second floor. Inside, studio on the rye introduced new windows and doors, a revamped stairwell, and a new staircase. The kitchen was crafted from ash, with bespoke joinery, and floors were finished with polished concrete tiles that extend into the dining space, and oak throughout the rest of the house. The corner windows in the kitchen and master bedroom, a standout feature of the design, required bespoke glass to accommodate the unusual angle, dictated by the boundary line of the property. The materials were carefully sourced, with a focus on UK-based suppliers like Havwoods for the timber, Lazenby for the concrete floor tiles, Astro for the lighting, The Rooflight Company for the roof lights and Fluid Glass for the glazing.

the extension is clad in weathered Corten steel