A Modern Makeover

There’s been a growth in the renovation of post-war houses — they’re comparatively low cost but provide lots of space,” says Mike Taylor, the architect behind the transformation of this 1970s home in the West Midlands.

The client’s brief included improving energy efficiency, adding a rear extension, remodelling the internal space and designing a modern, low-maintenance façade. The most distinctive addition to the exterior is the cedar cladding — specified both for its appearance and long life expectancy. “It’s become particularly fashionable now,” says Mike. However, he also warns, “Cedar weathers and silvers; some homeowners are really not prepared for this change. It was the right choice here as the house is within a woodland setting and edges on a Conservation Area — silver cladding will look natural.”

ABOVE: Before image and concept drawing

The brickwork below has also been given a fresh look. “The original bricks were a buff colour — really nondescript,” says Mike. “We painted the exposed brickwork in ‘Suffolk Pink’. It will need repainting around every five years, but this is the only real external maintenance issue.”

The “big, bland windows” have been replaced with smaller, more proportional PVCu versions. This material again provides a low-maintenance solution. White rainwater goods remain to match the window frames, and the garage door has been given a more neutral finish. The entrance was also central to the design. “The previous porch was disproportionate and too grand for the house. We’ve created a canopy built in green oak with cedar cladding. It lends to the ‘American style’.” The new canopy also provides space and shelter for logs for the woodburning stove housed inside.

Cavity wall insulation and insulation behind the battens for the cedar cladding help the house perform more efficiently. “The original roof was kept, but the roof space has been re-insulated,” says Mike.

A Modern Upgrade 

Masonry Paint

To paint exterior walls first power-wash to remove dirt and then treat the walls with a primer/sealer. The secret to painted walls is a good-quality masonry paint. Many include fungicide, such as Dulux Trade’s Weathershield Masonry Paint (icipaints.co.uk).

Cavity Wall Insulation

A key aspect of this makeover lies beneath the faÁade — the cavity wall insulation. Small holes are drilled and the cavity is injected — the above reveals what lies beneath the brickwork. Visit thinkinsulation.co.uk for more advice on improving your home’s efficiency.

Mike Taylor is a registered member of the Royal Institute of British
Architects and a fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers. Visit taylorandcoarchitects.co.uk

Further reading:

• Before & After: A Contemporary Barn 
• Exterior Makeovers
• An American Makeover