Creating a new extension that harmonises with an older main house rather than opting for something ‘a bit different’, means sourcing appropriate materials to achieve the required likeness — which can impose constraints on the choice. The bricks and roof tiles you’re keen to replicate may have been out of production for well over a century and will probably also have mellowed, adopting a distinct patina of age.
It may also require trades versed in traditional skills, such as lime rendering. Unless carefully executed, the project may detract from the aesthetics and consequently the value of your property. For instance, halfheartedly replicating intricate Georgian or Tudor workmanship with cheap modern materials diminished by lackadaisical workmanship is a recipe for dismal ‘pastiche’ that ends up looking a bit naff. Planning application drawings for extensions commonly include the words ‘to match existing’ but unless detailed drawings are also produced to provide practical guidance on site, this can potentially trigger problems later on when the builders start trying to interpret it.
Fortunately, you only need to focus on the parts of the building’s exterior that are actually visible. You don’t need to clone every detail, so areas that are hidden from view, such as flat roofs and stuff below ground or indoors, can be built using standard materials. The need to comply with modern performance standards for thermal efficiency and suchlike means you have little choice other than to build a modern structure cloaked by a traditional façade. So the key components that need to be matched are the roofs, windows and walls.
Blending brickwork
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life