Is it Possible to add Contemporary Features to a Period Home?
A large proportion of our projects feature dramatic transformations and improvements to Listed Period homes. As architects, one of our many tasks is to balance these alterations and proposed extensions with Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission requirements. Catch up with the details of LBC and PP in our previous story here
A Period Home
Even if the home we’re working on is not Listed, it’s generally preferable that a period home keeps its historical features. This may be because they are attractive and perfectly suited to their surroundings, or simply because they have architectural merit, and of course, if the home is Listed, it’s a requirement that those features are retained. Some homes may have beautiful, intricate exterior brickwork, unique interior mouldings, colourful stained glass features and original exterior rainwater goods and in most cases, even if not Listed, our architects will advise keeping these features. If original features are beyond repair, our experts will look into appropriate replacements, using suitable materials based on the original designs.
Contemporary Features
The vast majority of period homes have some contemporary internal features – after all every homeowner wants a beautiful bathroom and a practical, efficient kitchen. So, yes, a period home can have many contemporary features, such as sleek kitchen appliances, modern cabinetry, smart, energy-efficient bathrooms and spectacular shower fittings. For example, an 18th Century cottage or town house will need to have modern plumbing and heating and most likely, upgraded glazing and roofing to keep it warm and draught-free. The job of our architectural team is to ensure that the interior and exterior, modern and traditional aspects, blend together and work harmoniously to achieve a successful project where everyone is happy – from the planning authorities to our clients.
A Barn Conversion
Listed country homes, such as barn conversions, often have very striking contemporary additions, despite their humble start in life. There are Planning Permission processes to go through, as well as the requirement for Listed Building Consent if the building is Listed, and also any AONB considerations. The JLE Studio team will work through these processes to get the necessary approvals. A barn conversion may end up looking like a traditional period countryside property externally, but internally, may have every contemporary feature imaginable. Glazed roof sections, link passages and conservatory/garden room features often play their part as contemporary additions to period country properties.
The Concept of Contrasts
Adding contemporary features to a period home means that there will be elements of contrast running through the scheme. Contemporary features are included for practicality and convenience, as well as their inherent design features. It may be that the ‘modern’ aspect is the interior design – perhaps including contemporary art and sculpture and fashionable colours and patterns, whilst the exterior is a classic Georgian town house, for example. As architects we also have to consider the homes or properties adjoining our projects, and how any additional features will work. Again, it’s down to Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent as to what is and isn’t allowed.
Contemporary Details
There are lots of ‘hidden’ contemporary features and details that can be added to a period home whilst not disturbing the elements that need to be retained. More and more homes are including smart technology, where remote or central control systems can operate many features within the home. Heating and air-conditioning systems, automatically operated blinds and curtains, lighting and security systems can all be discreetly positioned so they don’t look out of place in a period home. Central control systems can be disguised behind hidden panels, or even within a separate ‘control room’. Underfloor heating is another contemporary feature that is easily and discreetly added to a period home.
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