1960s slate house front

Jo M

7 years ago

Hi all

We have moved into a 1960s house we love - it's huge inside, great big windows and a garden

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PRO

Dale Loth Architects

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Your idea of planting is probably a wise one. Significant physical alterations would not only be more expensive, but would also risk looking odd in relation to the neighbouring house(s). I'd suggest architectural planting in front of the house rather than climbers. The one aspect of the facade that jars to me is the replacement front door and sidelight, no doubt chosen for practical reasons rather than sensitivity to the original design.

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Comments (15)

Jonathan
7 years ago
Was there a question as well?
PRO
Create Perfect
7 years ago
Sounds great but it would help to know your design dilemma.. how we can help?
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Jo M
Original Author
7 years ago
I'm so sorry! I cut and pasted quite a few lines, but have only just realised it was just the first few lines which appeared. So embarrassed.

What this post should have said was: we've moved into the house and love the space inside, but don't like the front of it. After reading lots of really helpful comments on here, I understand that it's best to be in keeping with the period of the house - which is fine as I love all 60s stuff and many of the pieces we have put inside are retro.

However we are a bit stuck about how to make the front look nicer. I was thinking maybe we could train some wisteria up it and plant some colourful wallflowers at the bottom. But I'm not sure that is possible with both the slates and the whacking great gas box!

We don't have a big budget really, but would love to hear any and all ideas from all you creative types. Many thanks in advance.
Jonathan
7 years ago
If budget is tight I would pressure wash the slabs and buy as big a pot and plant your budget will stretch to and place it in front of the meters.
When the budget allows I would make the path wider and therefore grander.
Should you ever have the money to tackle the fabric of the building you need to work with your neighbours and all have the same look - I think these buildings look very updated by replacing the hung tiles with render but everyone has to agree in a terrace or both halves of a semi- it doesn't work if one person is maverick
PRO
Kia Designs
7 years ago
There are several companies that do a clip-on cladding system that is designed to go over unfashionable surfaces like pebbledash etc, which aren't budget busting. You can achieve a very modern, clean look which tends to suit the 60s proportions, and it will freshen the whole facade up. The variety of colours and textures mean you can be sympathetic to the style of the property and not clash too much with the neighbours. Then window boxes or like you suggested, a climbing plant would make the place look very loved and homely. If you really wanted to push the boat out, adding a block porch or overhang would stop the building looking a little flat.
Jo M
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks all for really helpful comments. It's great to have some input on this. I feel there is so much advice for the casual enthusiast in mainstream media in terms of interior decoration, but not so much for dated house fronts!

Is the idea of actually taking up the front slabs and putting down soil/compost to plant flowers/climbers a bad one? I suppose large pots are much less permanent, but I wonder if they would like a bit 'busy'.

Kia Design - What kind of material does the clip on cladding come in? Is it a permanent feature, or just come off if/when needed?

Dale Loth Architects- I'm interested in your comment on the original design of the door and sidelight. If budget wasn't an option, what would you advise here?
Jonathan
7 years ago
Lots of pots can look busy but one or two large pots signpost the front door.
Personally I think there is a practical reason for a path in front of the house (maintenance/ window cleaning/ moving bins) and you shouldn't take it up.
Instead you could cut a boarder next to the path in the grass - planting here will soften the look of the house from the road.
whippet girl
7 years ago
The slate and brick are nicely weathered in now, I agree save your money for plants and landscaping to update and make impact.
Can you tell us which direction your garden faces, and if you know what type of soil you have, can you provide dimensions?
Sarah
7 years ago
My friend has a similar looking house. She has made it very smart by putting matching horizontal blinds/shutters at every window facing the front, she replaced the front door and put a lovely large pot plant outside the front. I also like the idea that somebody else said about jet washing and widening the path which I think will look great
Laura Thomas
7 years ago
Hopefully you might find some inspiration here

https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/80946242/list/how-to-totally-transform-the-structure-of-a-1960s-or-1970s-home

(We have a 70s home and agree - inside lovely big windows and great size rooms.)
Daisy England
7 years ago
I'll bet that the slate on the front of the house will make it cold in whatever rooms are attached to it. They'll be no insulation behind it as standard.
Jo M
Original Author
7 years ago
Very good points about the path Jonathan, thank you.

The front of the house is south facing and I'm not too sure of the soul type. I used to think it was loam but feel it may be slightly more sandy than that. Dimensions are approx 20x40ft

Sarah - what type of door did you friend use?

Laura - thank you for the link, lots of good ideas there!
PRO
V.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
7 years ago
We could install some cement board cladding to the tiled area. Will give it a more modern feel
PRO
Dale Loth Architects
6 years ago
Jo - In relation to your query of 6 April (rather belatedly), I'd look for something plain and simple for the entrance door and sidelight. Not uPVC or anything with mock-period beading. Look at any original entrances in neighbouring houses as a general guide, though if they have a mid rail that doesn't align with the window sill adjacent, I'd improve on that. Perhaps narrowish timber or metal frames, fully glazed (etched glass, which can be done leaving clear strips for some subtle styling).

1960s slate house front

Dale Loth Architects

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