Tile House

A rich material palette of tiles (3D and 2D), concrete, timber and earthy colours create a textured, light-filled, modern architecture that re-orientates the home towards the garden.

Tile house is a contemporary rear extension and refurbishment project to a 1930s home in South London. Two 3D brick decorative tiles, one ‘silk’ finished for outside and ‘rough’ finished for the interior, form the principal elements in a subtly complex display of pattern and ornamentation. The feature tiles were set out in an alternating stack bonded motif to create a beautiful rhythmic elevation of shadow and texture.

An innovative glue-laminated spruce plywood construction was designed for the roof to experiment with a more environmental approach to small scale domestic construction. This removed the need for cabron heavy steel work and brings warmth and interest to the interior space. An L-shaped custom roof light, with glass to glass corner, is positioned so that the articulated roof structure ‘floats’ off the walls, permeating daylight deep in to the plan.

A salmon pink painted timber joinery ‘island’, shared between the utility and snug spaces, forms the heart of the plan. On the living side it holds the sofa and forms a robust decorative length of wall panelling. On the utility side it houses concealed cabinetry and an oak lined coffee station providing all important storage. Light fixtures are colour matched to the painted timber cladding.

The custom kitchen and utility space, designed by Proctor & Shaw, are formed from predominantly white shop-sprayed cabinetry with oak accents to bespoke handle details and oak veneer to wall and island units.