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Reciprocal House

Gianni Botsford has paid tribute to Norman Foster’s visionary use of steel, concrete and glass in this London residence. The site in question was originally home to an anonymous 19th-century cottage to which Foster added a striking extension in 1968 — one of the British icon’s first projects of note. A new owner, seeking to replace the house but maintain Foster’s building, hired Botsford to bridge past and present. In place of the old cottage, Botsford has created a gem. Maximizing the possibilities of a challenging location hemmed in on all sides by other structures, the firm used skylights, light wells and a set of sail-like perforated aluminum screens to provide natural light and privacy. Inside, the minimalist kitchen, outfitted in aluminum panels, and the sleek aluminum-clad spiral staircase extend Foster’s industrial palette; expanses of raw concrete and metal are made possible by concealing services (including underfloor heating) within floors and dedicated wall voids.

Reciprocal House

Team: Gianni Botsford, James Eagle, Hiroshi Takeyama, Anahi Copponex, Arslan Arkallayev and Stephanie Aue; with Integration; Tall Engineers; FFLO; HCUK; Barton Wilmore; New Wave; Measur; and Weber Industries

Award of Merit: Houses
Reciprocal House

Gianni Botsford has paid tribute to Norman Foster’s visionary use of steel, concrete and glass in this London residence.

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