Novum House Wins Best Individual New Home Award

We are proud to share that Novum House is a winner of the “Best Individual New Home” award from LABC South Yorkshire and Humber 2022.

A Thoughtful Replacement for a 1970s Bungalow

Novum House replaces a dated two-bedroom bungalow that no longer met the needs of modern living. From the outset, our design approach focused on enhancing the character of the site and raising the architectural standard of the surrounding area. Working closely with the client and local planning authority, we developed a scheme that balances bold contemporary design with contextual sensitivity.

From the award submission:

Why does the project deserve to win?  

The new house replaced an outdated 1970s 2-bedroom bungalow that did not meet the needs of modern sustainable living or contribute positively to the surrounding conservation area. Throughout the design process, Thread Architects worked closely with the owners and local planning authority to ensure that the design would complement and enhance its setting, raising the standard of architecture in the area. To the front, the house uses a limited palette of high quality and crafted materials to construct a bold and expressive entrance whilst maintaining a scale and massing that sits comfortably with its neighbours. To the rear, the house opens up into a series of spectacular contemporary internal and external living spaces that link to each other either directly or by the views created between them responding to the Clients wish for light and open living.

Rear of the original 1970’s bungalow

Design Highlights

• Handcrafted Entrance: A bespoke cedar-clad pivot door with a circular iroko handle, designed in collaboration with a local joinery firm, creates a striking and tactile entrance.

• Layered Living Spaces: The rear of the house features a sunken garden lounge, upper and lower terraces, and a garden room accessed via stepping stones across a pond — all aligned along a visual axis from the entrance hall.

• Material Palette: Locally sourced Hampole Fine Limestone, buff brickwork and natural slate were selected for durability, sustainability and aesthetic harmony.

Garden view - A view across the lawn towards the glazed kitchen, living and reflection pool

Give an example of a design problem that the team overcame

The design of the entrance and front door to the house was always an important part of the client’s brief. Rather than accepting an “off the shelf” pivot doors, the main contractor appointed a local joinery firm to work with us to design and craft a unique cedar clad pivot door with a smooth circular feature iroko door handle that met the client’s aspirations. The attention to these small details are features the owners enjoy using every day and enhances the appearance and experience of the house.

Front view of Novum House - The bespoke timber detailing to the front door and garage

Give an example of a site problem that the team overcame

Construction work for the house commenced in March 2020 just before the first COVID lockdown. The construction of the house continued throughout the lockdown periods and was completed in August 2021. This time was a challenge and the quality achieved is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.

How did this project exceed minimum building regulations standards?

To ensure that the construction of the house provided the Client with a sustainable and thermally efficient home the external envelope is built using structurally insulated panels (SIPS) in a fabric first approach. These are finished in locally sourced ashlar Hampole Fine Limestone, robust buff brickwork to compliment the stone, and natural slate to ensure the longevity of the home as well creating a beautiful aesthetic. The use of SIPS and an efficient under floor heating system has meant that the finished house is sustainable and cheap to run for the new owners.

Main living space - A view from the living towards the kitchen

A Home That’s Loved and Lived In

The owners have now lived in Novum House for over a year and continue to enjoy every part of the spaces created. From the crafted entrance to the layered garden views, the house reflects their lifestyle and values.

If you are thinking about building your own unique new home, whether in a conservation area, rural setting or urban plot, we would be pleased to help you realise your vision. The owners have lived in their new house for a year and use and love every part of the spaces created.

Get in touch with us here.