We were invited by AURA Architecture & Interiors to visit one of their latest projects in South London, Norman Park in November 2025.

In this feature, we step inside a family home that has undergone a thoughtful and highly technical transformation — a renovation that balances energy-efficient design, elegant material choices, and a completely reimagined internal layout. What was once an outdated, compartmentalised house now feels open, uplifting and deeply functional, with every corner shaped around the way the owners actually live.

Across the tour, Ben from AURA walks us through the design thinking behind the project — from the subtle but structural changes that unlock flow, to the clever energy upgrades hidden beneath the finishes, to the warm, contemporary palette that brings the whole home together.

Modern multi-story house with large glass windows, illuminated interior, and landscaped backyard at dusk.

Aerial view of a neighborhood showcasing a modern house with a lawn and outdoor patio area, adjacent to older traditional houses with yards.

Understanding the Brief

The clients approached AURA with a clear objective: to transform a tired home into a modern, energy-efficient space that supports family life. The property had generous potential, but as Ben explains, “everything was really boxed in.” Small rooms, outdated finishes and poor circulation meant the home never truly connected — either internally or to the garden.

The homeowners wanted a calm, cohesive interior, better natural light, practical storage, and a layout that made sense for both day-to-day living and hosting.

This created the foundation for a full-scale renovation: internal reconfiguration, upgraded glazing, a reworked staircase, two new bathrooms, insulated walls, a relocated kitchen, and a dramatically more efficient heating and ventilation strategy.

Opening Up the Flow

One of the biggest interventions was changing how the house circulates.

Previously, the staircase sat awkwardly, dominating the entrance and blocking sightlines. AURA reoriented the stair direction and introduced a glass balustrade, instantly making the hallway feel wider and brighter. As Ben puts it, “the biggest impact is right when you walk in.”

They widened internal openings, created clearer routes between living spaces, and removed redundant doors that chopped up movement around the ground floor. The result is a layout that feels intuitive and easy — something you notice subconsciously the moment you step in.

Modern kitchen with black cabinetry, white countertop island, built-in wine fridge, and large window with outdoor view; potted plant in foreground.

Interior of a modern kitchen with a large glass sliding door and a skylight, showing a view of the sky and a chimney outside.

A New Heart of the Home: The Kitchen

The kitchen underwent the most significant transformation.

Originally a small, enclosed room with very little light, it’s now a bright, modern space with a feature waterfall breakfast bar, timber-effect cabinetry, and a highly functional U-shaped cook zone.

Relocating the kitchen allowed AURA to create a visual connection to the garden and gave the owners a central hub for morning coffee, family meals, and casual evenings with friends.

Ben highlights how the details elevate the space: LED task lighting beneath the cabinets, handleless joinery, soft neutral tones, and the practicality of “materials that look high-end but will withstand everyday use.”

Every element is designed to feel warm, inviting and timeless.

Garden Connection & Daylight

One of the most impactful changes is how the home now connects to the outdoors.

Wider openings, new glazing and realigned internal routes mean the garden can be seen from multiple angles. The home feels greener, brighter and more expansive — even without physically extending.

Ben points out how “the whole downstairs now works together,” with views stretching from the front door all the way to the rear terrace.

Modern multi-story house with large glass doors and outdoor patio area, featuring a spacious living room and contemporary furnishings.

Aerial view of a residential neighborhood featuring several houses with parking lots, green lawns, and backyards with trees and gardens.

Energy Upgrades & Hidden Performance

While the aesthetic transformation is clear, a huge portion of the project’s value lies in what you can’t see.

AURA stripped the walls back to the brick, added new insulation, replaced the heating system, and installed MVHR ventilation — dramatically improving comfort and reducing energy demand.

New flooring, upgraded radiators, modern aluminium glazing and airtightness improvements all contribute to a home that stays warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and uses far less energy year-round.

It’s a renovation built not just for beauty, but for long-term performance.

Warm Minimalism: The New Interior Palette

The interior aesthetic sits in a calm, contemporary space — soft whites, natural wood textures, brushed black detailing and diffused lighting.

Subtlety is the theme. Nothing screams for attention, but everything feels refined and intentional.

Ben explains that the clients wanted “something bright, modern and warm,” which led to a palette built around:

Pale timber tones
Warm neutral wall colours
Simple, linear joinery
Black fixtures for contrast
Comfort-driven textiles

The lighting strategy plays a huge role too. New downlights, pendants, LED strips and dimmable circuits mean the home transitions seamlessly from daylight to evening mood.

Interior view of a modern house with a staircase, a large window, a black piano, and hanging pendant lights with Edison bulbs.

Modern home office with a desk, ergonomic chair, computer monitor, and built-in shelving with decorative items.

First Floor: Flowing Bedrooms and Thoughtful Details

Upstairs, the focus was on enhancing privacy while maintaining connectivity and light. The corridor, previously narrow and segmented, was opened up to create a spacious landing that doubles as a subtle reading nook with natural daylight streaming in from newly added windows. Each bedroom is generously proportioned, featuring bespoke joinery, built-in wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms, ensuring both functionality and comfort. Neutral palettes and carefully selected accent tones create a harmonious flow between the rooms, while clever storage solutions and integrated lighting enhance usability without detracting from the clean, modern aesthetic.

Loft Conversion

The loft conversion transforms the uppermost level into a master suite that feels like a private retreat. Large rooflights flood the space with natural light, while the carefully pitched ceiling adds drama and volume. The bedroom opens onto a small, inset balcony with panoramic views over the garden and beyond, providing a quiet outdoor escape. To the left, a dedicated dressing room features open shelving and natural light, while the en-suite bathroom combines a freestanding bath, walk-in shower, and porcelain surfaces that echo the natural textures found throughout the home. The loft is the perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and thoughtful design — a space that elevates the entire house.

View of a bedroom seen through an open doorway, with a gray bed and green wall, and a wooden staircase railing on the right.

Modern bathroom with glass shower, white toilet, black vanity, and illuminated mirror.

Modern bedroom with a large bed, wooden side table, and balcony with glass sliding doors showing trees outside.

A Home that Now Works Beautifully

What makes Norman Park so successful is its clarity. Every room speaks the same architectural language. Every space has purpose. And the flow — from the moment you step through the door to the way the kitchen opens to the garden — feels effortless.

AURA Architecture & Interiors have taken a dated, disjointed 1960s house and transformed it into a bright, modern family home that supports real life: practical where it needs to be, calm where it matters, and filled with light throughout.

For a family looking to put down long-term roots, this is now a house that will grow with them — beautifully, comfortably, and intelligently.