novak hiles architects refurbishes + extends south london house

‘Bracken House’ by Novak Hiles Architects

Novak Hiles Architects has completed the extension and refurbishment of ‘Bracken House’, a residence located in a South London neighborhood. Built shortly before the first World War, and situated today in a conservation area, the house is endowed with characterful frontages inspired by the arts and crafts movement. Following the client’s request, the practice was keen to re-imagine the property by bringing a contemporary approach with a subtle nod to its arts and crafts beginnings.

a new and brightly-lit ground floor extension

Novak Hiles Architects (see more here) focused the work on the ground floor, intending to offer an improved arrangement for family life. Consequently, the existing dark and awkward kitchen area was removed. In its place, the studio has designed a new extension and introduced a staggered open plan layout, which created an immediately transformative effect.

The newly planned interior of the ‘Bracken House’ gently but deliberately staggers and swells to inform a sense of functional zoning without excessively enforcing it, thereby providing a degree of organization and structure for everyday living while maintaining an open and bright atmosphere.

A glazed pocket door leading from the hallway aligns with the improved kitchen layout and culminates in a picture window to the rear, offering a view to the garden from the front door. This provides a cohesive feel to the ground floor and outdoor visibility throughout. Tge picture window also holds an integrated seat nestled amongst house plants.

The rear garden features a split-level arrangement that extends the staggered plan approach into the exterior space, emphasizing a unified design. Texture and pattern are celebrated here, with brick paving and soft planting providing a tranquil urban oasis. Moreover, an interplay of contemporary zinc with bespoke ceramic tiles is arranged in a celebratory frieze at the head of the extension, presenting a dignified front toward the garden.

injecting subtle references to the arts & crafts movement

Novak Hiles Architects designed the bespoke exterior tiles specifically for this project, incorporating contextual arts and crafts references, such as bracken fern leaves, into a repeating modern geometry that provides relief and texture in contrast to the crispness of the zinc. The tiles and associated casting die were hand-made in the UK, serving as a celebration of craftsmanship and making on a small scale.

As for coloration, the practice drew inspiration from London’s familiar tiled tube station frontages, albeit with a softer contemporary tone and a greater degree of relief. The earthy hues of the ceramic tiles and zinc work in unison with bright interior tones to provide an uplifting and warm material palette. Finally, white-painted and exposed ceiling joists help to filter natural lighting from a generous skylight above.