Designed by London-based architecture and design firm studio on the rye, Rusty House on the Rye is a contextually sensitive extension to a 1950s home in London’s Holly Grove Conservation Area.

Working in close collaboration with the homeowner—who purchased the home 14 years prior—studio on the rye designed a two-storey extension that complements the locale’s historical context without resorting to pastiche. Faced with conservation area restrictions and the challenge of material compatibility, the studio chose weathered Corten steel over traditional red brick for the extension’s exterior cladding, creating a monolithic form that sits comfortably among both contemporary and heritage homes. The steel’s patina, which naturally develops a rusty brown hue over time, was pre-treated to achieve the desired tone from the outset, allowing the extension to harmonise with the existing architecture and the surrounding conservation area.

While Corten steel is highly durable, working with it posed one of the biggest technical challenges for the architects. The rusting process can cause rainwater runoff that stains the finishes, therefore a sealant was applied to prevent further weathering and protect the concrete floor tiles. The studio also collaborated closely with metal suppliers and contractors to develop a precise fixing method for the steel panels, ensuring a refined finish designed to last.