Novak Hiles Architects completes North London housing scheme on challenging backland site

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Novak Hiles Architects delivers a three-bedroom home and a one-bedroom unit on a challenging backland site in North London

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Novak Hiles Architects has completed a two-dwelling housing scheme - Bella Mews - on a former garage site in a North London conservation area. The project replaces a derelict brownfield plot with a three-bedroom family dwelling at ground level and a one-bedroom unit above.

The scheme secured planning permission in 2021. The site, described as a long-neglected backland area previously used for dumping rubbish, is situated within a mixed urban context of Victorian housing and modern developments. The project seeks to enhance the conservation area by creating a new building frontage to animate the surrounding cul-de-sac.

The design responds to constraints of massing, height, and proximity to neighbouring properties, with the ground floor raised to mitigate surface water flooding risks.

The red brick structure has deep window reveals and setbacks designed to balance privacy and daylight. The brick detailing varies across the elevations to reflect site-specific conditions, while inset openings and external brick steps draw on historic mews house references.

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The dual-aspect units exceed minimum space standards. The ground-floor flat features a private garden accessible from both the living area and the main bedroom, while the upper-floor flat includes a south-facing terrace integrated into the brick façade.

The building’s construction utilises timber framing, with exposed ceiling joists in the upper unit intended to enhance the sense of space and height.

Sustainability measures include air source heat pumps and green roofs. According to the architects, the development achieves a 49% reduction in carbon emissions compared to Part L 2013 regulations. A SUDs strategy, including permeable tiles, gravel beds, and a rain garden, manages surface water on-site.

The project incorporates built-in planters, and a car-free layout includes integrated cycle storage.