rusty corten steel extension modernizes 1950s brick home in london

studio on the rye and fluid glass revive rusty house in peckham

Located in Peckham’s Holly Grove Conservation Area, Rusty House is a 1950s property that has been renovated and extended by studio on the rye in collaboration with Fluid Glass. 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 rather than relocate, the concept focuses on enhancing thermal efficiency, optimizing living spaces, and crafting a refined architectural aesthetic rooted in transparency and simplicity.

Externally, the 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

a sliding door system enhances connectivity

A defining feature of the Rusty House is the new sliding door system, which connects the expanded kitchen and dining area to the garden. With ultra-slim frames and a distinctive 77 degree corner detail, the floor-to-ceiling glazing offers uninterrupted views and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Achieving clean lines at this unconventional angle presented significant structural challenges, requiring a high level of precision. As a result, the architects at studio on the rye and glazing designers at Fluid Glass conceive an architectural element that is striking in form and floods the interior with natural light.

Further, the door’s minimalist design aligns with the clean, monolithic forms of the extension. With subtle framing it maintains the design’s visual integrity, allowing the glass to stand as the main feature and the lush garden beyond to serve as an ever-changing backdrop.

located in Peckham’s Holly Grove Conservation Area

integrating energy efficient systems and materials

The team at Fluid Glass complements this with the corner glazing in the snug area, also set at a precise 77 degree angle, which eliminates the need for intrusive corner framing, opening the interior to panoramic views. The snug is then transformed into an intimate yet open area where light streams in from multiple directions, immersing occupants in the surrounding garden.

Beyond the house’s aesthetics, Fluid Glass also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Additional insulation and triple-glazed windows significantly improve the home’s thermal performance, while locally sourced materials reduce the project’s environmental footprint. This thoughtful integration of energy efficiency and materiality ensures that Rusty House meets modern living standards without compromising its historical context.

studio on the rye and Fluid Glass renovates and extends a 1950s property

the extension is clad in weathered Corten steel

recessed gutters and shadow gaps distinguish between the original structure and contemporary addition

the new sliding door system connects the expanded kitchen and dining area to the garden

with ultra-slim frames and a distinctive corner detail, the floor-to-ceiling glazing offers seamless indoor-outdoor flow

the door’s minimalist design aligns with the clean, monolithic forms of the extension

insulation and triple-glazed windows significantly improve the home’s thermal performance

the material was chosen for its rich, rusty patina envisioned to evolve over time

a juxtaposition between the two volumes

project info:

name: Rusty House
architect: studio on the rye | @studioontherye

glazing designers/suppliers: Fluid Glass | @fluidglassuk

location: Peckham, London, UK

photography: FRENCH+TYE | @frenchandtye

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom