May 31, 2016

The Sunday Times - Home Supplement

Written by Rebecca Clayton

Nerves of Steel – The Rusty House

Another feature in The Sunday Times Home supplement explores the story behind Grand Designs ‘The Rusty House’ project, “an extraordinary modern house clad in Corten steel, a rusty industrial material beloved of cutting edge architects.”

The article illustrates the highs and lows of dealing with the locals with such a controversial architectural design. Located in a town characterised by cobbled streets and a castle that dates back from 1067, it seems Corten didn’t sit well with the locals.

The Rusty House – Sunday Times – IQ Glass UK

The story of this house design and structural glass installation was detailed in series 16 of the popular Channel 4 show, Grand Designs

The contemporary five bedroom house features two full glass elevations of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to either end of the ground floor. Their minimal 21mm framing then merges with the structural glazing wall lining the lower floor living area. This glass wall design creates the illusion that the upper floor is floating. Constructed with simple yet effective materials; concrete, glazing and corten steel, allows the contemporary new build to sit elegantly within its surroundings

The design encapsulated the surroundings, “it’s a calming view” Anita added in her interview with The Sunday Times.

The slim frame sliding glass doors were used on both sides of the new build providing access to the external patios. Additionally, the structural glass walls were installed to take advantage of the views and allowing the natural light to flood the open plan living spaces. You can read the story of this difficult structural glass site installation here.

It’s been dubbed a ‘rust bucket’, a ‘carbuncle’ and a ‘blot on our landscape’ by the locals. However, it has grown on them after Stephen and Anita opened their home for one day so people can see it for what it really is.

If you are planning your own Grand Design contact IQ Glass to discuss your glazing design to help frame your surrounding views.