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Exteriors Design Dilemma DIY

Softening the exterior (budget friendly)

14 days ago

Hello! I’m helping to rejuvenate this very old French building, and am looking at budget friendly ways of softening the exterior. Passers-by say it’s a bit scary (one of the photos included especially shows this side of it!). Any cost-effective ways or hacks to soften the exterior and make it more inviting? Ideas and especially photos very welcome!

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Comments (12)

Sonia
14 days ago
Incredible building. The grey paintwork is a bit grim so maybe paint it cream or an off white like the bottom section. Mind you that would be a task and a half to paint it all!
minnie101
14 days ago
Amazing building.

Is this it?

It looks as if it used to have grass which softens it enormously

Not a budget option but not sure what will be given the size
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rinked
14 days ago
Agree on the foliage and paintjob (cream, sea salt, something soft)

What a massive project! Would like to know the story behind it, how did you acquire this one?
Plonk 88
Original Author
13 days ago
The grass is actually the back of the building - lol, good scouting skills! It’s updated since, with a garden around the state of Mary, and the trees have grown back their branches.
It’s a school that I work in, rather than own, and I’m looking at what I can do outside of the classroom and admin to spruce it up. A full lawn or massive garden is not really ideal at the front, but at thinking of a circular garden with some sort of wall around it, and a summer proof trees and plants. Looking at low maintenance and lower cost - and deffo not painting the whole thing!
Sonia
13 days ago
So you want to create more greenery outside? Will you be taking up some of the tarmac to create a sort of raised bed, is that what you mean? Planting trees will make a huge difference, creating shade and improving the air. Look at Silver Birch trees (Betula), Jackmanii is particularly lovely with its white bark. They even look wonderful in winter with the white branches, almost ethereal. There are so many wonderful trees you could plant but depends on how much of that space you can use.
Plonk 88
Original Author
13 days ago
I think that would be best - carve out an area for a garden, probably a wall around it with a tree and lavender (which is hardy and evergreen). Ideally an evergreen tree, too.
minnie101
13 days ago
Most of the Cambridge colleges have really beautiful gardens, it may be worth looking at them for inspiration. I think gravel would really help to soften it too and very typical of France. Just ensure there are paths to the doors

Is there anyway to get any form of funding for this? Or could there be some kind of project with the students/parents
Isla Cherry
13 days ago
I would just try cleaning the paintwork first then it might not be necessary for a huge paint job. Then plants, plants and more plants. Could the pupils help with the sprucing up as a budget measure? It's absolutely stunning. What a building. Do you have any budget for the garden for example?
Plonk 88
Original Author
13 days ago
Thanks - I think I’ll have to hit the base with the pressure washer (gently) to clean it up a bit, and look at the gardens idea a bit more. I had an idea for a circular one in the middle, but perhaps some on the sides would be more manageable and soften the sides, too.
Sonia
13 days ago
I would mimic the shape of the courtyard, that is possibly a square or rectangle in the middle filled with planting. You could then create benches around it for people to use whilst having a break, reading, socialising etc. So many possibilities. Here’s a few more ideas. The only evergreen trees I can think of are conifers and holly. Deciduous trees are much more interesting especially in spring and autumn.
Plonk 88
Original Author
13 days ago
Thanks! At the moment, before I propose it, the wall is probably the hardest part for me to do, so maybe a few seats could frame it initially, and a wall later on. I do like the thé deciduous look, but I think an evergreen will maintain a look of life during winter!
Isla Cherry
13 days ago
Maybe you should have a small budget and then get "Garden Rescue" here (UK) on tv to come and do all the work for you. The garden designers would love it, especially in summer. It would make a fantastic episode to watch. People could volunteer to help and pay for their own travel and accomodation, work as labourers, etc just for the fantastic experience.

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