Refurbishment and extension of an arts and crafts family home using terracotta tiles

Aldous Huxley’s Former Residence

Year: 2021
Location: Hampstead, London
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden
Client: Private
Size: 4,859 sqft
Status: Completed
Contractor: New Wave
Structural Engineer: Pringuer James Consulting Engineers
Quantity Surveyor: The Millbridge Group
M&E Engineer: Cundall
Kitchen Designer: Halycon Interiors
Landscape Designer: James Holderness Landscape Design
Photographer: Jack Hobhouse

MWA were approached in early 2019 to prepare proposals for a replacement rear extension with integrated landscape design and full internal refurbishment of this arts and crafts three storey family home situated within the Redington Frognal Conservation Area in Hampstead. Interestingly, this is the second time our clients have undertaken works to this property. In 2004, they extended the existing ground floor but they have since outgrown the proposals and wished for a design that was more in keeping with the character original building and the streetscape of Bracknell Gardens.

The road Bracknell Gardens is characterised by groups of semi-detached two and three storey Edwardian houses with prominent street facing gables. Different designers and builders have used a variety of material, including tile hanging, render and yellow and orange brickwork, yet there is still a consistency in character. Our proposals seek to add to the playful materiality of the street.

Blackburn based ‘Darwen Terracotta, one of the oldest terracotta manufacturers in the UK, were commissioned to hand make the terracotta tiles for the light extension. The design features geometric square tiles that are bevelled in the centre to subtly create a patterned tiled facade. A modern take on the vernacular architecture within the Redington Frognal Conservation Area.

Works commenced onsite in January 2020 and completed in June 2021.