Maclaren.Excell infuses a West London Victorian with cool concrete and steel

Rugged materials take centre stage at this Victorian West London home, masterfully refurbished by architect McLaren.Excell, featuring a striking Corten steel extension.

This five-bedroom home in Shepherd’s Bush spans four levels and, from the front, appears like many other bay-windowed Victorians on its quiet residential street. However, at the rear, a bold weathered Corten-steel-clad extension connects with interlocking concrete panels in the garden.

McLaren.Excell’s design cleverly contrasts the ‘monolithic’ qualities of concrete and Corten steel with the original 19th-century brick and the softer natural materials used in the new loft extension, such as Grey Elm and Douglas Fir.

Moving through the house feels like a constant transition between old and new, period and modern. The living room retains its original Victorian fireplace, with alcoves lined with bookshelves. New parquet flooring extends into the adjoining room—a cosy second lounge with floor-to-ceiling library shelves—and leads into the brand-new kitchen extension, clad in rusted steel.

A monumental concrete island forms the centrepiece of the kitchen, with its surface stepping down from a preparation area to a dining table with matching concrete benches. Bespoke timber cabinetry adds warmth, while exposed rafters and a skylight enhance the sense of height in the space.

Steel-framed glass doors open out to the garden, where a matching concrete bench rests on large concrete slabs flanked by Corten steel planters filled with native plants and bushes.

If the downstairs spaces showcase rugged materials and patina, the upstairs is more playful. The main bedroom is painted in a sunny yellow, with intricately patterned wardrobes and a fiery orange mantel providing bold accents. The children’s bedrooms, while more subtle, feature soft pastel tones that add to the lively, colourful atmosphere.

Tranquillity returns in the loft suite, where pale wood, white walls, and patinated brickwork create a calm and soothing palette. Windows overlooking the garden frame peaceful views of the sky and trees.

The West London home is listed with The Modern House for £1.75m. See more in the gallery.