Sawtooth House
Sawtooth House in Kingston transforms a once-tired domestic extension into a bold, climate-conscious home that celebrates sustainability, heritage, and individuality. Designed by Francesco Pierazzi Architects, the project reimagines an outdated addition to create a contemporary extension of around 180m², complementing the original Victorian home while embracing modern living. The new design wears its difference proudly: a striking saw-tooth roofline draws inspiration from Kingston’s industrial past – particularly Middle Mill, once home to The Patent Cocoa Fibre Co Ltd – reinterpreting the rhythm of historic manufacturing buildings in a residential setting.
The new volumes subtly echo Kingston’s industrial heritage, particularly its connection to the coconut processing industry. The distinctive saw-tooth roof echoes the town’s historic manufacturing architecture within a domestic setting. Varied brick bonds and textured façades further reinforce this connection, layering a sense of history and place into the modern design without compromising the light-filled, spacious interior.
Concealed from the street, the brick volumes appear modest and respectful, yet inside, the house unfolds into a generous interior animated by light, colour, and carefully framed views. Skylights, angled ceilings, and pastel hues differentiate spaces, with pink tones used to signify objects and zones, guiding the eye to moments of delight: a mature Yucca tree beyond the kitchen, a large maple anchoring the garden, or the ever-changing sky above. At the heart of the living space, a multicoloured terrazzo worktop introduces a playful burst of colour against warm oak cabinetry, anchoring the family kitchen.
The clients, Richard and Liz, approached the project with a clear vision: the project stemmed from their wish to replace an ageing extension, originally built decades earlier when they first acquired the property, which no longer met their functional or environmental needs. They wanted a home that reflected their values and principles of sustainability. Richard, an academic specialising in climate change, was determined that every decision would be guided by responsibility, not convention. This sense of responsibility shaped every aspect of the brief. Together, they challenged the practice to create a home that was environmentally rigorous, joyful, distinctive, and deeply personal.
This commitment proved crucial when the project faced strong resistance from the Local Authority, which initially favoured a more traditional design. Despite early refusals under Permitted Development, the clients’ advocacy and belief in the vision were instrumental in securing approval through a successful planning appeal. Their determination ensured that the innovative design – a striking modern addition with a double-sawtooth roof – could be realised exactly as intended, creating a home that balances architectural daring with practical functionality.
Behind the project’s architectural drama lies a serious commitment to environmental performance. The house has been extensively retrofitted with insulation to reduce energy demand. Heating and hot water are provided by an air source heat pump, supplemented by a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery to maintain year-round comfort. A 7,500-litre underground rainwater storage tank now irrigates the garden during summer, significantly reducing reliance on mains water. Combined these interventions reflect the clients’ values, reducing the home’s carbon footprint while ensuring resilience for the future.
Externally, a double-sawtooth façade frames a sunken patio, creating a sheltered outdoor space animated by natural light. Modern stock bricks and varied bonds stitch the extension into the existing structure while introducing texture and depth. From the outside, the volumes appear compact and composed, yet inside they expand into a generous, uplifting interior that balances clarity with playful detail. Sawtooth House is both pragmatic and expressive, delivering comfort, efficiency, and character in equal measure.
The project embodies the ethos of Francesco Pierazzi Architects, where storytelling lies at the heart of every design. It follows in the footsteps of Casa Bassa – awarded the RIBA Daylight from Above 2025 Award – continuing the practice’s exploration of light, materiality, and narrative. Sawtooth House is a testament to how client conviction, architectural vision, and determination can combine to create a home that is environmentally responsible, contextually sensitive, and full of joy.
