Aluminium marvel meets Victorial charm in Hampstead’s Reciprocal house

Aluminium is often touted as an architect's favourite metal. The green metal, renowned for its versatility, has become an increasingly popular choice in architecture, unlocking endless possibilities for innovative design. Its non-toxic, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties, lightweight nature, ductility, and malleability make aluminium a powerful tool for architects to unleash creativity.

London-based architecture studio Gianni Botsford Architects has reimagined and expanded Norman Foster's 1960s extension by adding large-span aluminium-framed glazing in Hampstead, London. Known as Reciprocal House, the newly completed 280-square-meter family home is tucked away in a Hampstead mews, discreetly positioned behind a Victorian pub.

The project involved replacing a deteriorating 1860s cottage while preserving and renovating a remarkable 1969 extension designed by Foster Associates (now Foster + Partners). The original lightweight, single-story structure—featuring steel trusses, concrete blocks, and expansive aluminium-framed windows—has been thoughtfully integrated with the new four-story home. Together, the design aims to harmonize the modern with the historic, enhancing the architectural legacy of the site.

Crafted using aluminium components

Gianni Botsford Architects meticulously crafted the interiors using finely manufactured aluminium components, including the staircase, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, bathroom fixtures, screens, and doors. All these elements were produced in East London, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The roof profile of the new house echoes that of the original cottage, while its sharply angled elevations lend a striking geometric quality to both the interior and exterior design. This effect is further accentuated by a two-meter-diameter circular roof light above the spiral aluminium staircase connecting the three main floors. The roof light can be fully opened, fostering natural ventilation and a seamless outdoor connection.

In honour of the previous house

Honouring the memory of the previous house, the new facades are clad in perforated aluminium mesh, finished in a soft copper-brown hue. This material preserves a sense of continuity, provides privacy, and shields the interiors from direct sunlight.

The main floor of this family home features a kitchen, dining area, and living room, while the upper two floors accommodate three bedrooms and a roof terrace. On the basement level, a studio space enjoys natural light from three-meter-tall lightwells. Accessible from the ground floor is the open-plan room designed by Foster Associates, originally intended as an entertainment space and to house the previous owner's grand piano.