Rusty House on the Rye

This standout extension scheme is the unique creation of Studio on the Rye architect, inspired by their clients’ desire to live and work in a light, healthy, comfortable living environment. Within the conservation area of London’s southeast district of Peckham, this 1950s home had plenty of character but limited living space and natural light. The owners wanted to extend and modernise the property while preserving the beautiful feature garden that surrounded it. Studio on the Rye were approached to design a sensitive yet striking two-storey extension that would reinvent the home for contemporary and sustainable living. The architect designed a bold yet sympathetic concept: a modern Corten steel extension that would sit comfortably with the 1950s brickwork and surrounding historic buildings of their neighbourhood. The weathered patina of the steel gave the home its distinctive “Rusty House on the Rye” identity. This architectural statement perfectly blends old and new with a quiet confidence in this conservation area. To achieve the client’s vision of a bright, open, and sustainable interior, the architect placed natural daylight as the central element of their aesthetic vision. Their focus turned to finding a toplighting solution that would match the contemporary glazing and overall vision of the project. The Neo Rooflight proved to be the perfect choice. Studio on the Rye were able to collaborate with The Rooflight Co at RIBA Stage 4, for support with the technical design and planning information in preparation of the tender submission and construction detailing. The project specified the Neo-08 for its frameless, flush-fitting design, that delivers on energyefficiency while complementing the clean, monolithic forms of the extension. Three rooflights were installed across the property in the master bedroom, en-suite shower room and above the stairwell. All are motorised and measure 1451mm x 616mm. The rooflight positioned in the master bedroom provides an abundance of natural light and key ventilation. Including an opening rooflight allowed the design to feature a fixed frameless corner window, as the rooflight plays a crucial role in effectively ventilating the room and maintaining good air quality. Integrated blackout blinds were also added for the client’s privacy and comfort. The loft space was removed in the stairwell area in the centre of the house and a Neo Rooflight added, resulting in light washing down both storeys. Transforming a previously dark area within the house, into a bright and welcoming space. Choosing Neo Rooflights for both the original house and the new extension visually ties the two structures together, creating a seamless architectural language, allowing connectivity through design. The beauty of this contemporary rooflight is the ability to install it flush to the roof slope, with its frameless design and edgeto-edge glazing for maximum daylight, awarding the internal spaces with a simple, modern aesthetic. The completed extension stands as a thoughtful blend of contemporary design and respect for the original house in its surroundings. Situated within a conservation area, the project demonstrates how sensitive modern architecture can enhance the character of a traditional property. The inclusion of three Neo Rooflights has transformed the interior, flooding the new spaces with natural light and creating a bright, uplifting atmosphere throughout the home. Their sleek, low-profile design sits discreetly within the roofline, ensuring the external appearance is sympathetic to the original building while meeting conservation requirements. Internally, the motorised operation and integrated blackout blinds provide effortless control over light, ventilation, and privacy, offering the homeowner a comfortable yet functional home to live and work from. This project shows how considered design and premium rooflight solutions can deliver a modern living environment that feels both timeless and contextually suitable for its local area