Bella Mews, New Housing, North London
Bella Mews is a new-build housing scheme situated within a challenging conservation area location in London, which has transformed a redundant brownfield garage site into two new, high quality, dual aspect dwellings. The project delivers a 3 bedroom dwelling at ground storey and a 1 bedroom dwelling at first storey.
Bella Mews is considered as a solid pale red brick mass that has been carefully sculpted in response to the opportunities and constraints of the site, with deep setbacks and undercuts as well as deep window reveals providing a strong sense of relief. Thoughtfully composed high quality brick detailing is utilised throughout, varying in response to the different idiosyncrasies of each respective side of the site. The resulting elevations are robust but highly characterful.
Deep inset openings reinforce the entrance to both dwellings and brick bonds on the front elevation express the external steps leading to the dwelling on the first storey. The external steps are an inherent part of the character of the frontage, and a celebrated part of the architecture, drawing upon historic ‘mews’ house references and brick details, albeit in a contemporary manner. Deep planters are built into the solid frontage of the building, providing defensible perennial planting and a visual buffer to the cul-de-sac street beyond. The development is car free, with secure cycle storage integrated into the frontage of the building.
The interiors are bright and spacious, with generous openings to the front and rear elevations offering long views without introducing issues of overlooking, especially given the requirement for no side facing windows owing to the proximity of existing gardens on either side of the plot. The ceiling joists of the upper storey unit have been left exposed offering additional head height, as well as an uplifting and spacious feel.
Project Team
Architects / Novak Hiles Architects
Client / Private Developer
Planning Consultant / Wildstone Planning
Main Contractor / TMP Build Solutions
Structural & Civil Engineer / GCA
Sustainability & Energy Consultant / Pro Sustainability
MEP Contractor / Aspire
Awards
Winner / Surface Design Awards 2025 / Exterior Housing
