Project Description

Delivering a Complex Residential Façade in North West London

A striking new residential home is taking shape in North West London – one that blends ambitious architectural vision with advanced façade engineering. Designed by Architect and self-builder Seb Ferrão, the home features a highly distinctive façade realised through close collaboration, technical problem-solving and a shared commitment to quality between Seb and Eden Facades.

From early design discussions through to detailed coordination and installation, Eden Facades worked closely with Seb to ensure the façade vision was delivered exactly as intended, overcoming complex geometries and tight site constraints with bespoke technical solutions.

Understanding the Vision

Seb’s original vision centred on delivering a building with a highly distinctive façade, formed from a complex arrangement of geometries across both walls and roof planes. The structure itself is entirely mass timber, constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT), allowing for exposed internal surfaces, open spans and a significantly reduced embodied carbon footprint compared to traditional masonry construction.

For the exterior, Seb was determined to create a façade that was both architecturally expressive and technically robust – a decision that led to Eden Facades being brought on board to support both design development and installation. As Seb explains:

“The building has a unique façade made up of hundreds of bespoke pieces cut to size and installed seamlessly to fit the complex geometry. I needed a team that had the skills and expertise to execute it with the care, attention and technical understanding required.”

For Eden Facades, the project stood out from the outset. After meeting Seb and reviewing the early design concepts, the ambition and complexity of the façade immediately captured the team’s attention. Paul Michaelson, Construction Director at Eden Facades, recalls:

“When I first met Seb, and we talked through the design concept, it was clear this wasn’t a standard residential scheme. The idea of applying a commercial-style façade to a bespoke home really intrigued us. It was the kind of project where we knew we could add real value.”

From Concept to Buildable Facade

Bringing the concept to life required careful technical development and expert execution, with collaboration among engineers, material suppliers, and the design team to ensure the façade was both buildable and aligned with the architectural vision.

Seb was clear on the architectural intent, but recognised early on that specialist input would be essential:

“I had the initial design – the shapes, sizes and materials – but Eden Facades took it to the next level of detail. They helped figure out how the façade actually comes together, from the fixings through to the installation sequencing.”

Engaged early in the process, Eden Facades supported the design by advising on façade build-ups, fixing strategies and complex junctions. A collaborative approach allowed challenges to be resolved without compromising design intent.

Key challenges included resolving bespoke window reveals, managing roof-to-wall junctions and coordinating fixing strategies across multiple planes – all within a constrained site with limited working space. These elements required meticulous planning to balance tolerance, thermal performance and visual alignment.

Rather than defaulting to standard details or limiting the design, Eden Facades developed bespoke solutions that allowed the façade to be delivered with confidence.

After reviewing several material options, including zinc, timber and terracotta, Equitone fibre cement rainscreen cladding panels, supplied by Etex, were specified for their aesthetic quality, durability, and minimal maintenance requirements, ensuring the facade’s longevity.

The façade wraps seamlessly from wall to roof and was installed using a stainless steel bracket system more commonly associated with large commercial buildings. This approach supported both the architectural intent and the building’s thermal performance. The whole system – including brackets, rails, fixings and cladding panels – was installed by the Eden Facades team. As Seb notes:

“There’s a huge amount of work that goes into it – drawings, detailing, panel layouts, bracket positioning. But when you see it installed, it all looks effortless, which is a real testament to the team.”

Installation and Craftsmanship

Despite the project’s residential scale, the façade installation demanded commercial-level precision and craftsmanship. Throughout the installation, Eden Facades remained closely involved – providing technical input, resolving on-site issues, and maintaining clear communication with Seb and the wider project team.

“They were very responsive, stuck to their word and were involved from design through to install. If they said they’d get something done by a certain date, it was always done.”

Featured on Grand Designs

The home was selected to be featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, with filming taking place on site as key stages of the build – including the façade installation – were underway.

While television exposure was never the driver, the project’s inclusion reflects the strength of the architectural concept and the collaborative effort behind its delivery. The façade became a focal point during filming, highlighting the level of detail and coordination required to translate a complex design into reality.

The quality of installation also attracted attention beyond the immediate project team. SFS, who supplied the brackets, rails and fixings, were impressed with the work carried out on site. This was echoed by Michael Simpson, Technical Advisor, who commented:

“The installation is truly impressive; the neatness and attention to detail are evident, and I’m sure Eden Facades would be proud of the work the team has done. So well done to the installers. Please pass on my appreciation to everyone involved in the project.”

A Vision Realised

As the building exterior nears completion, the finished home closely mirrors the original design intent – something Seb reflects on with pride:

“It’s exactly what I imagined. I still can’t quite believe it’s happened – going from a drawing and a 3D model to standing in the finished space is pretty surreal.”

For Seb, the success of the project comes down to trust, shared ambition and collaboration:

“It’s all about having good people behind you – people who care about what they’re doing and want to make something genuinely special. Eden Facades played a key role in making that happen, and would be more than happy to work with them again on future projects.”

Paul Michaelson adds:

“Working with Seb on this project has been a real pleasure. From the outset, there was a shared ambition to deliver something genuinely special, and that made the collaboration both productive and rewarding. We hope to support Seb on many more projects in the future.”

If you’d like to work with Eden Facades on an upcoming façades project, get in touch to discuss how we can support you from design development through to installation.