Approach

Client Vision and Brief - The project got off the ground in early 2023 and Victoria was keen to work with a local, all-female team for the design and engineering. She selected local architect Sarah Borowiecka, director of studio on the rye to oversee the process. For Sarah the brief was clear: the client wanted to add a two-storey extension while maintaining side access from the front garden into the rear. The garden was a standout feature and integral to the project.

Courtyard

Aesthetic Vision - The aesthetic goal was to create a simple, calm atmosphere using natural materials to add warmth and texture. Ash window surrounds bespoke joinery, oak parquet flooring, and concrete tiles were used to create a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired interior. Natural daylight was a key element, with roof lights over the stairwell, master bedroom, and ensuite shower room, and large windows throughout.

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Hall

Challenges and Design Approach - Located in a conservation area, the project faced tighter restrictions to preserve the characteristics of the neighborhood. 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.

Library

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 harmonized with both the existing structure and the conservation area. The design also focused on simple, monolithic forms. Recessed gutters and a shadow gap in both the walls and roof helped delineate the extension from the original house while maintaining a clean and modern aesthetic.

Kitchen and dining

Additionally, the client sought a larger kitchen, 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 modernizing the rooms to be more energy-efficient.

Exterior

Collaboration and Legacy - Sarah's deep local roots facilitated a smooth design and construction process for this project, from collaborating with a local contractor to regularly cycling past the site on her way to the office. Naming her practice after the area and having lived in Peckham her entire life, Rusty House on the Rye represents more than just a design project—it's a meaningful contribution to Sarah's community and a visible, lasting addition to the neighborhood. The project is a gateway into Peckham that reflects Sarah's personal and professional identity.

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