Cherry House

The design concept is simple, the creative reimagining of a traditional building material to craft something modern but unexpectedly rooted in tradition. The project is a fresh take on the local Kent Peg tile-hung facade but crossed with Tuile Vernissée de Bourgogne (glazed and patterned Burgundy roof tiles) inspired by family holidays to France. The bespoke facade tiles were developed specifically for the project in collaboration with local manufacturer Spicer Tiles. Handmade plain bullnose clay roof tiles were coated with a range of glazes before going through a second firing process, then being hung in a traditional vertical hanging tile arrangement. The form of the extension is simple, but the facade is super textural and highly expressive. The handmade tiles provide depth and a deliberately imperfect texture that is further emphasised by the repetitive bullnose pattern and the reflective finish that changes throughout the day and seasons. The colour palette of pinks and greens uses a total of six glaze colours and is reminiscent of the colours of the old cherry orchards that once covered the area where the house now sits. White tiles were also used on the front façade of the house to reclad the bay window as a subtle hint of the extension behind but one that sits comfortably within the streetscape. The modestly sized extension provides an open-plan family space containing kitchen, dining, and sitting areas. The project also included the full renovation of the existing property, including upgrades to all thermal building fabric, airtightness, plus the energy performance and heating system of the home.