Twelve Black is a contemporary family home designed for comfort, function and quiet drama. The design centres around a refined black palette, softened by natural light and grounded in durable, low-maintenance materials—ideal for a busy family lifestyle. Open-plan living spaces connect seamlessly to the outdoors, with a functional layout that balances communal areas and private retreat zones. Thoughtfully detailed joinery, built-in storage and a flexible kitchen and dining hub support modern day-to-day living. While bold in appearance, the home’s simplicity allows family life to take centre stage.

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Corrado Piccoli

This striking architectural home showcases a bold, modern design with strong gable forms and a seamless blend of natural and industrial materials. The exterior features sleek black plaster cladding contrasted with stone chimney pillars and Abodo cladding details that add warmth and texture. Large gabled windows flood the interior with natural light and frame rural views, creating a sense of openness and connection to the landscape. With multiple wings connected by a central living space, the layout offers both privacy and flow—ideal for family living or entertaining. The landscaping is yet to be completed, giving a clear view of the home’s foundations and structure. Every element of this build reflects precision, quality, and the attention to detail that defines Mayhem Construction’s approach.

We were approached by our client to transform extend their existing modest farm house in rural Cheshire. Working within tight planning constraints in Greenbelt, we were able to maximise the potential of the building, working closely with the local authority planning department. The scheme maintains the traditional aesthetic of the original, locally listed building, using modern construction methods. The house benefits from extensive newly landscaped grounds to compliment the new open plan living spaces.

Great textures and details found all over the home, changing at night to a beautifully lit and inviting space

We had worked with the client, a self builder on speculative development projects in the past. When the chance arose to help him create a new home for his own family overlooking Poole Harbour we were delighted to help. The house uses a contemporary language under a deep traditional roof which allowed us to gain permission for a modern, 4 bedroom, 2 storey home on a site surrounded by bungalows. The generosity of glazing floods the accommodation with light and allows superb views into the harbour. Efficient and intelligent use of all the space available allowed us to transform a tight bungalow on a cramped, sloping plot into a spacious house with beautiful roomy gardens.