ZEETA HOUSE

This concrete framed building is clad with brickwork. We discovered that the framework had the so-called 'London disease' which required major structural work. This meant surrounding the building with scaffolding. As it fronted onto the main train line into London, the scaffolding had be cantilevered to the rail line.

We removed the external skin of brickwork to expose and treat the main concrete frame. We then in-filled the brickwork with thin Belgium Bricks to match the existing.

All the work was carried out the works during normal working hours which meant accommodating people working in other areas of the building. This, together with the fact that the property is situated on a very busy London junction, called for thoughtful project management.

In many respects, this is a minimalist build - albeit on a luxurious scale. Glass is integral to the design, providing natural light and fabulous views of the grounds. Used structurally, the large glass panels are fixed to the steel frame of the house and, in some areas, linked to the glass flooring. Lowering these glass 'curtain walls' into the steel frames, required great accuracy and dexterity.

We were able to put our bricklaying and carpentry skills to good use in this project. The handmade bricks, used internally and externally, were cut to different lengths and laid randomly. Our objective was to break up the uniformity while achieving a sleek effect. Wood features a lot throughout the property - flooring, storage, staircases, and external panelling. However, the absence of skirting at floor level and architrave round the doors, means attention is drawn to our perfect plaster finish. Externally, the look is similarly pared down. Instead of guttering, rainwater is collected through box gutters located behind the parapet walls, while air holes replace the traditional 'pots' on the chimneys.

Finally, we fitted a lighting system throughout the house allowing the owners control using various switches, devices and custom keypads.

We relished the opportunity to use a range of our skills on this unusual project, from structural build and fine workmanship to comprehensive project management.