From tired bungalow to a contemporary villa

Novum House began with a simple but ambitious brief: a contemporary new home that felt rooted in its conservation‑area setting while giving the client a beautiful, sustainable place to live. The site called for sensitivity, and the design grew from a desire to balance modern living with materials and craftsmanship that would stand the test of time.

The house is formed from a highly insulated structural panel system, creating a warm, efficient envelope that supports low‑energy living from day one. This structure is wrapped in locally sourced stone, robust brickwork and slate, giving the home a sense of permanence and belonging. The materials feel familiar to the area, yet the composition is quietly contemporary.

Inside, the character of the house is shaped by craft. Locally made joinery brings warmth and tactility, from the bespoke staircase to the curved handrail that guides you through the space. Previously owned pieces are woven into the design with care: timber screens in the snug, and original Crittall doors re‑glazed and given new life in the utility and pantry. These touches ground the home in memory and material honesty.

Novum House is both new and deeply connected to its place, a home shaped by sustainability, craftsmanship and a thoughtful response to its surroundings.

Photos by Dug Wilders Photography