H&C’s House, Herne Hill
Location: Herne Hill
Services: Architect, Interior Design, Contract Administration, Principle Designer
Completed: 2023
Principal Consultants: Anderson Engineers
Contractor: Ernest & Co
Photography: Tom Parker
A contemporary reimagining of a London semi-detached home, volume, light and connection, playful architecture, comfort and sustainability.
Haines House transforms a traditional semi in Herne Hill into a striking, light-filled home that balances modern architecture with respect for its historic fabric. The project doubles the original floor area through a series of extensions and a holistic retrofit that enhances energy performance and comfort throughout.
A contemporary reimagining of a London semi-detached home, volume, light and connection, playful architecture, comfort and sustainability.
Haines House transforms a traditional semi in Herne Hill into a striking, light-filled home that balances modern architecture with respect for its historic fabric. The project doubles the original floor area through a series of extensions and a holistic retrofit that enhances energy performance and comfort throughout.
From the entrance, views unfold through the home, towards treetops beyond and down to the dramatic double-height kitchen at garden level. Here, exposed brickwork runs seamlessly from inside to out, while slim-framed glazing stacks away completely for an immersive indoor-outdoor experience. A Z-shaped double-height space links kitchen, dining and living areas, with a full-height pantry wall and a generous window seat forming the social heart of the home.
Moments of delight punctuate the design: from the playroom window seat, children (and adults) can climb onto a suspended play-net above the dining table. Above, a mezzanine library hangs from the roof apex, its steel structure expressed. The built-in joinery forms both storage and workspace, offering a tranquil spot beneath skylights to read, relax, or work with garden views.
Upstairs, the master suite combines a walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom with a freestanding bath, double shower, and treetop views. The children’s bathroom is playful, with under-the-sea wallpaper and an eaves bathtub beneath a skylight. The new loft level creates two double bedrooms, a guest room or study, and a bright family bathroom, making five bedrooms across the first and second floors.
A holistic thermal upgrade and passive ventilation strategy ensure the house performs as beautifully as it looks. Natural materials, crafted details, and considered light make H&C’s House a family home designed for connection, wellbeing and joy.
Upstairs, the master suite combines a walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom with a freestanding bath, double shower, and treetop views. The children’s bathroom is playful, with under-the-sea wallpaper and an eaves bathtub beneath a skylight. The new loft level creates two double bedrooms, a guest room or study, and a bright family bathroom, making five bedrooms across the first and second floors.
A holistic thermal upgrade and passive ventilation strategy ensure the house performs as beautifully as it looks. Natural materials, crafted details, and considered light make H&C’s House a family home designed for connection, wellbeing and joy.
