Slot House
, London, 2019, with Sally Rendel
The challenge of this project was to tease functional and delightful spaces out of an unpromising and long ignored opportunity. The plot consisted of a narrow 2.8m wide break in an existing terrace, bounded by flank walls on both sides, that had lain vacant for a number of years.
To maximise the constrained width whilst not loading the neighbouring structures, the house has been constructed using a lightweight steel frame supported on a piled slab. The steelwork was assembled off-site as a series of portal frames that were craned down the alley and site-welded together. The fully welded frame is expressed and even the depth of the steels utilised in the interior. Externally the walls are clad in handmade pewter glazed tiles.
This self-build project has had a long gestation fitted in around professional and family life. The design and construction have been developed as time and money allowed and the result, a highly crafted 2-storey 1-bed house, is a testament to the commitment and effort of many different people, professional and non-professional.
The project was shortlisted for the RIBA Grand Designs House of the Year in 2021.
Photography: Jim Stephenson
Project: Slot House
Collaborators: Michael Tye (Main Contractor), Structure Workshop (Structural Engineer)
Client: Sandy and Sally Rendel
Building type: New build, Residential
Location: London, UK
Status: Completed 2019
Publications: Detail 07/08.21, Dezeen 19.06.20, Evening Standard Homes and Property 18.03.20, Detail: At Home - Architecture for Urban Living: Detail Edition, Channel 4 Grand Designs House of the Year 24.22.21
Awards: RIBA Grand Designs House of the Year Shortlist, AJ Small Projects Award Shortlist