Project details
- Project name: Alexandra Palace House
- Location: Alexandra Palace, London
- Project type / Sector: Residential
- GIA: 210 m2
Project team
- Client: Private
- Structural engineer: Heyne Tillett Steel
- Architect: Andy Matthews Studio
- MEP engineer: CO2O Consulting
- Main contractor: Gesti Builders
- Steelwork fabricator and supplier: Cleveland Steel and Tubes
Project description
The project involves the conversion of two flats into a single, family home in North London. The ambition was to create a sustainable family home with real architectural merit. The existing end of terrace house is built from traditional load-bearing masonry with timber-joisted floors.
The proposals consolidate the building into one dwelling and add a single-storey rear extension. Sustainability and structural expression are central, reusing much of the existing building fabric alongside an exposed block structure supporting a low carbon LVL timber roof.
The scheme also incorporates 0.7 tonnes of reclaimed steel for a box frame enabling an opening in a load-bearing wall and a column in the ground floor extension.
Reuse facts
0.7 tonnes of reclaimed steel sourced through Cleveland Steel and Tubes.
Cleveland Steel and Tubes undertook all testing, following the guidance set out in SCI P427.
Decision taken very early in the project to use reclaimed steel as part of the low carbon design strategy.
Success factors
The ease of sourcing reclaimed steel was one a key success factor. A simple email to Cleveland initiated the process, and they carried out all minor fabrication to produce the required elements.
Challenges
The steel came partially primed, requiring additional site-applied primer. Given the exposed nature of the design, this provided an opportunity to apply a primer compatible with the selected intumescent paint.