Stainless steel surfaces central to reconfigured 70s house

A senior lecturer at the University of Westminster’s School of Architecture has reconfigured and modernised his St. Albans home, creating a “family hub” within which the kitchen and its new stainless steel work-surfaces from GEC Anderson take centre stage.

Scott Batty has juggled the lecturing work and running his own design practice with what he describes as an “agile contract administration” role in supervising the far-reaching refurbishment work on what was a typical detached property from the seventies.

With Phase 1 now complete, Scott can reflect on the changes which have made it a home fit for more sustainable and multi-generational living.

At a cost of approximately £1,000 per square metre, the original structure has been insulated and overclad with timber, while the uprated fenestration includes optimization of solar capture. The existing garage will now be converted to create further accommodation.

Commenting on the project, Scott Batty said: “The design retains a sense of the original 1970s house, whilst bringing it up to date in terms of layout and comfort. Allowing for a family’s lifetime it can now accommodate grown-up children, elderly parents and home working. “

“For the kitchen, the objectives were to open it up to the dining area and create a family hub for the house. Amongst the strategies were to work within the existing footprint of the kitchen and to declutter – omitting high level units or shelves – but increasing the worktop area with an island, while linking back to a sense of 1970s design. For this I wanted to use stainless steel as part of a minimal palette because it is durable and hygienic while, over time, it will acquire a patina.”

Then I chose to work with GEC Anderson after making inquiries of several companies and visiting their premises. They advised on specification and, as well as visiting to measure up, they revised the quotation several times. Finally, GEC delivered and installed the worktops, which present sharp details and a continuous surface with integral sink. Overall we are very pleased with the final product.”

Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.