Under Construction: Our Richmond New Build Reaches for the Sky

The last time we checked in on our demolition and rebuild project in Richmond, we had only just started erecting the steel frame which forms the skeleton of the house. Just over six months later and the project has grown from soil to the sky, and we are now able to walk through the timber roof structure.

On the right, Tom Drake, an Associate at DGA who is overseeing the project, ponders the roof structure. It may look fairly typical, but the benefit of a new build is that we’ve been able to squeeze out every square millimetre of available space, thanks to the amazing structural engineers who assisted us on this project.

This glimpse into the interior structure of a house – like an X-ray revealing our bones – is my favourite stage of a project. Exquisite geometry and mathematical precision, usually covered by plasterboard and paint, is laid bare.

It’s an opportunity to appreciate the craftmanship of the contractors, 4C Developments, and the skills of the steelworkers and joiners. Their work is true artistry, and there’s no other stage in a project where it is put on show like this.

I love how the timber frames the landscape beyond. This will be a window when the home is complete, so our clients will continue to be able to appreciate this view over Richmond.

All of this timber will eventually be covered by plasterboard and tiles, but every time I’m up in a roof like this I can’t help fantasise about cladding the entire structure in glass. Can you imagine the light patterns and shadows which would be painted across the space in the morning?

Keeping the space cool to prevent it becoming a greenhouse would be a challenge, but perhaps it’s an idea I’ll be able to explore one day.

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