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‘Bracken House’ by Novak Hiles Architects
Novak Hiles Architects has concluded the extension and refurbishment of ‘Bracken House’, a residence positioned in a South London neighborhood. Crafted shortly right before the to start with entire world war, the property is endowed with characterful frontages motivated by the arts and crafts motion and is situated right now in a conservation location. Subsequent the client’s ask for, the follow was keen to re-think about the residence by bringing a modern approach with a subtle nod to its arts and crafts beginnings.
a new and brightly-lit ground flooring extension
Novak Hiles Architects (see more below) concentrated the operate on the ground floor, intending to supply an improved arrangement for family members life. Consequently, the existing darkish and awkward kitchen area area was taken out. In its area, the studio has built a new extension and launched a staggered open system structure, which designed an straight away transformative influence.
The freshly planned inside of the ‘Bracken House’ carefully but deliberately staggers and swells to tell a perception of functional zoning without excessively implementing it, therefore giving a diploma of firm and composition for day to day dwelling although preserving an open up and shiny environment.
A glazed pocket doorway primary from the hallway aligns with the enhanced kitchen area format and culminates in a photo window to the rear, providing a look at to the garden from the front door. This gives a cohesive truly feel to the floor flooring and outside visibility in the course of. In addition, the image window attributes an built-in seat nestled amongst residence vegetation.
The rear backyard features a split-amount arrangement that extends the staggered plan method into the exterior area, emphasizing a unified layout. Texture and pattern are celebrated here, with brick paving and tender planting offering a tranquil city oasis. Additionally, an interaction of contemporary zinc with bespoke ceramic tiles is organized in a celebratory frieze at the head of the extension, presenting a dignified entrance toward the garden. 
injecting subtle references to the arts & crafts movement
Novak Hiles Architects intended the bespoke exterior tiles precisely for this venture, incorporating contextual arts and crafts references, such as bracken fern leaves, into a repeating modern day geometry that offers relief and texture in contrast to the crispness of the zinc. The tiles and affiliated casting die were being hand-created in the United kingdom, serving as a celebration of craftsmanship and producing on a tiny scale.
As for coloration, the exercise drew inspiration from London’s common tiled tube station frontages, albeit with a softer contemporary tone and a bigger degree of reduction. The earthy hues of the ceramic tiles and zinc work in unison with brilliant inside tones to deliver an uplifting and warm product palette. Finally, white-painted and exposed ceiling joists support to filter normal lighting from a generous skylight above.
