RIBA Award-Winning 'Floating' Design Home with Cantilevered Sections

The ‘Black House’ in Great Chart, Kent, was constructed using an S355-grade steel frame for its primary structure, enabling the cantilevered sections that give it a distinctive “floating” appearance.

Its rectangular form is split by site axes and each block connects to a unique garden aspect, with the brick tower’s roof offering a final vista. The courtyard, with extensive glazing, floods the home with light and air, creating a sheltered year-round outdoor space.

Assesmont’s UK CA BS EN 1090 Execution Class Level 3 accreditation qualifies us to fabricate, construct and install structures requiring this level of extreme load bearing generated by the cantilevered design.

The cantilever beams support the cantilevered sections (3-5m span). The backspan beams and counterweights balance the cantilevers with X-bracing, enhancing rigidity and stability. The S355 steel framework, with columns, cantilever beams, and bracing, supports the “floating” design, enabling open-plan interiors and large glazing.