Tucked away behind a Victorian pub in a quiet Hampstead mews,the Reciprocal House is a stunning example of architectural harmony between old and new.Designed by Gianni Botsford Architects, this London family home replaces a dilapidated 1860s cottage while respectfully restoring a single-story 1969 extension originally designed by Foster Associates (now Foster + Partners).
The architects drew inspiration from the industrial character of the original extension, incorporating a steel truss structure, concrete blocks, and large-span aluminum-framed glazing into the new design.”Our response to this sensitive and overlooked context is led by the notion of local adaptation,” explains Gianni Botsford. The result is a minimalist language that seamlessly blends with the existing structure.
The new addition reimagines the cottage’s roof profile with sharp, geometric elevations, while a perforated aluminum mesh cloaks the facade. This soft copper-brown mesh evokes the memory of the demolished structure while providing shade, privacy, and a visual connection to the surrounding trees.
True to its name, the Reciprocal House establishes a continuous dialog between old and new. The architects have equalized the architectural stature of the 1960s extension and the contemporary addition, creating a unified yet distinct composition that embraces natural views and a raw industrial aesthetic. Landscaping further emphasizes this connection, incorporating recycled bricks from the demolished cottage.
A vast roof terrace complements the volume’s transparency, immersing residents in the surrounding canopy of mature trees and blurring the lines between architecture and nature. Inside the four-story home, locally fabricated aluminum elements, including a striking spiral staircase, kitchen units, wardrobes, and bathroom fittings, add a touch of modern elegance. A 2-meter-wide circular rooflight above the staircase floods the levels with natural light while doubling as a ventilation shaft to enhance the home’s passive cooling strategy.
Openness and flexibility are prioritized throughout the layout. The ground floor features a connected kitchen, dining, and living space that flows seamlessly into the restored foster + Partners extension, originally designed for entertaining and housing a grand piano. The upper floors host three bedrooms and a roof terrace, while a basement studio benefits from tall, light-filled wells that draw daylight into the underground space.
The Reciprocal House is a testament to Gianni Botsford Architects’ ability to create innovative and sustainable designs that respect the past while embracing the future.
London Home Embraces Sustainability with Innovative Design
Gianni Botsford Architects has unveiled Reciprocal House, a stunning London residence that seamlessly blends modern design with eco-conscious principles. The project, which replaces a dilapidated 1860s cottage while preserving a 1969 extension by renowned architect Norman Foster, showcases a commitment to sustainable living. “From form to function, sustainability drives Gianni Botsford Architects approach,” the firm states. The home’s design prioritizes passive strategies to minimize its environmental impact.high thermal mass materials, such as exposed concrete, help regulate indoor temperatures naturally. Enhanced insulation and airtight construction further reduce heating needs, eliminating the reliance on gas. An air-source heat pump provides underfloor heating, and an EV charger is conveniently located in the front lightwell. Water conservation is also a key focus. rainwater and greywater recycling systems minimize water usage, while green roofs reduce runoff and promote biodiversity. A spiral staircase and opening rooflight work together to create a stack effect, allowing warm air to escape in the summer and encouraging natural ventilation throughout the house.
## Interview: A Meeting of Eras - Exploring the Reciprocal House with Gianni Botsford
**World Today News:** Gianni, thank you for taking the time to discuss the Reciprocal House with us. This project truly stands out as a remarkable weaving of old and new.
**Gianni Botsford:** It’s a pleasure to be here. The reciprocal House was a truly fascinating challenge. It allowed us to honor the history of the site while creating a contemporary haven for a family.
**WTN:** The original 1969 extension is a piece of architectural history designed by Foster + Associates. What was your approach to incorporating it into the new design?
**GB:** We approached the Foster extension with immense respect. Its industrial character, with the exposed steel truss and large expanses of glazing, served as a direct inspiration. The new design echoes these elements, creating a dialog rather than a jarring contrast.
**WTN:** The perforated aluminum mesh facade is striking.Can you elaborate on its function and aesthetic importance?
**GB:** The mesh serves multiple purposes. It provides shade and privacy, shields the inhabitants from the elements, and creates a visual connection to the surrounding trees. It’s also a tactile reminder of the demolished cottage, evoking its memory thru its copper-brown hue.
**WTN:** Sustainability seems to be at the heart of the project.
**GB:** Absolutely. We used recycled bricks from the demolished cottage in the landscaping, employed local manufacturers for aluminum elements, and implemented a passive cooling strategy utilizing natural light and ventilation.
**WTN:** The interior is characterized by openness and flexibility. Could you describe the flow of the space?
**GB:** The ground floor flows seamlessly from the kitchen and dining area into the restored Foster extension, creating a space ideal for both daily living and entertaining. The upper floors are dedicated to the bedrooms and rooftop terrace, while the basement studio enjoys abundant natural light through strategically placed light wells.
**WTN:** How would you describe the overall feeling you aimed to create within the Reciprocal House?
**GB:** We wanted to create a space that is at once modern and timeless, a home that feels both connected to its past and ready for the future. The Reciprocal House is a testament to the power of collaborative design, where old and new work in harmony to create something truly unique.
**WTN:** Thank you, Gianni, for sharing your insights. The Reciprocal House undoubtedly sets a new standard for sensitive and sustainable architecture.
