Dezeen Magazine

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw

Proctor & Shaw use faceted 3D tiles to create "rhythmic" London house extension

Angular three-dimensional tiles have been used to create textural interest inside and out at this south London house extension, designed by architecture studio Proctor & Shaw.

Tile House is located in the neighbourhood of Clapham and has been overhauled by locally-based studio Proctor & Shaw to boast a "subtly complex display of pattern and ornamentation".

Its owners – a couple with two teenage sons – were displeased with the property's existing rear extension, and keen to have more expansive living spaces that are better connected to the east-facing back garden.

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw

The studio completely demolished the old extension to erect a glass-fronted volume that accommodates an open-plan kitchen and dining area.

It's partially clad in pale three-dimensional tiles, which feature triangular facets that jut outwards at different angles.

Each one has been stacked in alternating directions, forming what the studio describes as a "rhythmic elevation of shadow and texture".

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw

A rougher iteration of the tiles has been used to cover the base of the breakfast island inside.

"Internally the tiles are differentiated with a pitted surface to add a softer 'pillowed' effect to the furniture they clad, where externally the tiles are silk smooth to protect them from the elements," the studio explained.

Oak has then been used to craft a cabinet in the adjacent kitchen suite, and to form a long bench seat beside the family dining table.

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw

Planks of glue-laminated spruce plywood are arranged in a grid formation across the ceiling of the extension, bordered by an L-shaped skylight that helps further illuminate the space.

"It's positioned so that the articulated roof structure 'floats' off the walls," added the studio.

Rectangular porcelain floor tiles by Dutch manufacturer Mosa have also been laid across the floor, mimicking the linearity of the planks directly above.

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw

A splash of colour is offered by a timber-panelled partition at the rear of the space, which is painted blush-pink.

It provides a contrasting backdrop to the slate-grey sofa in the adjacent snug and helps conceal some of the utilities in the narrow corridor that runs off the kitchen.

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw

Proctor & Shaw is headed up by architects John Proctor and Mike Shaw, and has been established since 2018.

The studio extended another south London home back in May this year, creating a timber-lined snug that its retired owner could use for reading or birdwatching.

Photography is by Megan Taylor.


Project credits:

Architecture: Proctor & Shaw
Engineer: Constant Structural Design
Contractor: Lucas Construction Design and Build
Building control: Quadrant Building Control

More images and plans

Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Ground floor plan
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Section
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw
Tile House by Proctor & Shaw