Are you a homeowner considering adding an extension to your house to create your dream home? You may already have thoughts as to whether your new extension should be sympathetic to the original property or if you would prefer it stands out with a contrasting modern style.
Although this blog is intended to provide general guidance to anyone pondering which style would be most appropriate to the existing architectural style of their property, at Ecclesall Design we will very much take into account your personal preferences and indeed we will gladly present you with a range of suggestions so you can consider the most pleasing solution for your own home. Planning permission will be needed if the materials to be used vary from those already employed on the original house although if it is a rear extension or one not visible from the public realm personal choice would usually be accommodated without issue.
Building designs vary in style, function, and aesthetics, but ultimately it all comes down to two types of architecture: contemporary and traditional. Before examining whether your home would perhaps be more suited to a traditional or contemporary extension, we must first define the two terms.
Traditional architecture in house extensions:
Traditional architecture is closely linked with the past and focuses on historical styles. It is generally characterised by the use of local materials with traditional building techniques and designs adapted to the local environment, climate or cultural practices. Unlike modern or contemporary architecture, traditional architecture often embraces the preservation of historical styles and tends to be deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the place in which it was built. An example in our own local area would be the traditional gritstone which features in so many residential properties from modest terraced homes to large sprawling halls built by steel magnates, whereas the flint cottages in Norfolk, for example, showcase their own local historic building materials, and the characteristic differences in brick colour throughout the land demonstrate the variance in sands and clays found in nearby quarries at the time of original construction.
The exact notion of traditional architecture has changed as building styles have developed and varies naturally depending on location. Some planning authorities, especially in sensitive locations such as national parks and conservation areas, will insist on new properties and extensions to older buildings being designed and constructed in such as a way as to mimic those built a century or so ago so they blend in. This approach doesn’t necessarily please everyone – there is another school of thought that believes it is better to preserve the integrity of the original buildings by clearly making a distinction between the old and new.
Using natural, locally sourced materials like stone, wood, clay, slate, and brick, traditional architecture is generally renowned for its durability and ability to blend with the local environment. Your home extension might follow a similar theme to the other buildings on the street and would thus be in keeping with the design of your neighbours’ houses. In neighbourhoods with a historic character or where architectural consistency is valued, traditional construction can enhance property values and will ensure that any extension to the original property will blend seamlessly with the environment. Being situated within a conservation area or national park, or being a listed building, will without doubt provide restraints to individual creativity.
Traditionally, environmental considerations were based on the local climate as buildings were designed to maximise comfort with durability whilst using materials that were readily available at the time of construction. Steeper roofs, for example, would be constructed in areas of high snowfall or rainfall. Lime render would be used to protect properties against the climate and timber, although historically widely found throughout the British Isles, was unfortunately prone to rotting in wetter geographical locations. The coming of the canals and then the railways brought new opportunities to house builders as materials could be readily moved around the country. Welsh slate, in particular, proved to be an ideal roofing material across the new industrial north as it was cheap and relatively plentiful. Its longevity means there are plenty of properties locally still roofed with original slates well over a hundred years later although the decline in the Welsh slate industry sadly means that replacement with natural slate – rather than an artificial slate lookalike product – is most likely to necessitate sourcing from China.
Contemporary architecture in house extensions:
Contemporary architecture prioritises flexibility and efficiency as well as current style choices, and buildings often incorporate multifunctional spaces designed to accommodate changing needs and technologies. The aesthetic principles of contemporary design lean towards simplicity and functionality, with an emphasis on ‘form following function’. Contemporary buildings tend to feature clean, uncluttered designs emphasising light, space, and modern aesthetics and a great example of this is the prevalent desire for a home extension to provide an open plan living/dining/kitchen area with plenty of glazing and natural light.
In both urban and rural areas, contemporary construction can stand out and make a bold statement. It often complements modern landscaping and urban surroundings, and if the surrounding area is modern or eclectic, contemporary architecture might be a better fit than more traditional design. A contemporary finish to an extension to an older, more traditional, property can highlight the integrity of the original house by providing a clear visual separation between the old and the new.
Compared to traditional architecture, modern structures effectively utilise building materials that can be relatively affordable and faster to produce. Although these are not necessarily cheaper than local materials, global sourcing does bring advantages of choice. Contemporary designs can also permit a smart utilisation of space in order to allow a more casual and relaxed ambience than traditional settings. The use of structural steelwork between existing rooms and the new extension can create amazing benefits to the original house, transforming small rooms into light and airy living spaces.
A wider range of materials including glass, steel, concrete, and composite materials would be utilised with contemporary construction. The focus may be on creating lightweight, durable structures that can even appear futuristic or avant-garde. When modern design is combined with traditional architecture, the results are bold and the contrast between the old and new can create a look that borders on surreal, yet remaining pleasing to the eye. When we at Ecclesall Design present our ideas to clients we illustrate using images and sketches how different materials and styles would change the appearance of various design options to create different impressions.
Extensive areas of glazing can be achieved these days that are far larger than were possible in years gone by and this is one of the principal features of the contemporary look. Smooth surfaces with clean lines, thin joints, and low tolerances are easily achievable because of sophisticated manufacturing methods. Contemporary styles use state-of-the-art factory production, showing off the benefits of these to their very best effect. There is now a wide choice, for example, of ‘timber-type’ products including pressure-injected preserved natural wood to elongate its lifespan, or a new cladding material, Rockpanel Woods, where the properties of wood and stone are combined to create a unique product with the authentic look and workability of wood and the durability, robustness and fire resilience of stone, as well as a wide variety of natural wood chosen for its sustainability as well as for inherent long lasting and aesthetic properties.
With contemporary structures sustainability is sometimes a key concern, strongly emphasising energy efficiency, renewable resources, and minimal environmental impact. Contemporary buildings often incorporate green technologies like solar panels, green roofs, and smart home systems, although even a more traditional home extension can still incorporate all of these factors subject to the available space and the desired roof style and pitch.
The optimum design for your own property
There are creative ways for your new house extension to co-exist beautifully with your existing home. Whether you’re choosing a contemporary or traditional option, the decisions you make – if your home extension is designed by Ecclesall Design – will bring significant benefits in comfort to you and your family by the addition of fantastic new spaces as well as pleasure at your new extension’s appropriate and value-adding appearance.
The best designs are not just beautiful but also functional; they have to be perfect for your family as well as looking good. So, if you intend to build a home extension, is it better to have a design that remains faithful to the traditional construction method or should you choose a style that reflects 21st-century innovations?
The answer to this question is that neither is better – because truly beautiful architecture transcends fashion, and this is just as true now as it was since time immemorial.
Why not get in touch with Ecclesall Design now to find out how we can help to design your new home extension?
