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Pro Spotlight: How to Blend Historic Charm With Modern Living
Regenerating an old building so it's relevant for today is all about the synergy of old and new, says this architect
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Who: Eilir Sheryn of Van Ellen + Sheryn Architects
Where: Ashburton, Devon
In his words: “In our practice, not only are we sensitive to the historic value of old buildings, but we’re also aware of our environmental responsibility when it comes to constructing new extensions, to ensure our clients’ comfort and a low eco impact.”
In the UK, we’re passionate about our old buildings, and the desire for living in properties with historic charm and original features continues to grow. However, as many homeowners of period properties soon discover, the layout and make-up of these old homes are often unfavourable to the way we live today.
One architect who knows all too well the pitfalls of period property layouts is Eilir Sheryn of Van Ellen + Sheryn Architects, who has worked on many projects in rural Devon, reviving old properties with a 21st-century-proof addition, while retaining the essence of the buildings’ historic fabric and beauty. “We’re unashamedly modernist in our architectural outlook, however we value the beauty and significance of old properties and strive to successfully marry the old and new in a way that is conducive to today’s lifestyle needs,” says Eilir.
Here, he suggests how to positively unite contemporary additions with historical features for a wonderful marriage of the two.
Where: Ashburton, Devon
In his words: “In our practice, not only are we sensitive to the historic value of old buildings, but we’re also aware of our environmental responsibility when it comes to constructing new extensions, to ensure our clients’ comfort and a low eco impact.”
In the UK, we’re passionate about our old buildings, and the desire for living in properties with historic charm and original features continues to grow. However, as many homeowners of period properties soon discover, the layout and make-up of these old homes are often unfavourable to the way we live today.
One architect who knows all too well the pitfalls of period property layouts is Eilir Sheryn of Van Ellen + Sheryn Architects, who has worked on many projects in rural Devon, reviving old properties with a 21st-century-proof addition, while retaining the essence of the buildings’ historic fabric and beauty. “We’re unashamedly modernist in our architectural outlook, however we value the beauty and significance of old properties and strive to successfully marry the old and new in a way that is conducive to today’s lifestyle needs,” says Eilir.
Here, he suggests how to positively unite contemporary additions with historical features for a wonderful marriage of the two.
Architecture at its best. After working as an architect in Malaysia for a few years, and then London for a further 14, Eilir gained invaluable insight and experience working with different architects and building styles. So, when an opportunity to relocate to rural Devon with his family presented itself, it seemed the natural step in starting his own studio in the area. “After experiencing the intensity of working for a London firm, I couldn’t find the fit with any local practices, so we set up our own studio in 2006 and have never looked back,” says Eilir. “Working closely with a client to achieve exactly what they need for their family is very rewarding.”
Now, Eilir’s studio prides itself on historic property transformations. “We like to create buildings that offer different experiences from one space to the next,” he says. “Old properties, for example, offer cosy, intimate spaces with exposed beams or stone walls, whilst modern glass extensions with lofty ceilings create a sense of openness and space. The key is combining these varied experiences throughout the home, encouraging stimulation and interest, and ultimately fusing old and new styles in a cohesive way.”
Now, Eilir’s studio prides itself on historic property transformations. “We like to create buildings that offer different experiences from one space to the next,” he says. “Old properties, for example, offer cosy, intimate spaces with exposed beams or stone walls, whilst modern glass extensions with lofty ceilings create a sense of openness and space. The key is combining these varied experiences throughout the home, encouraging stimulation and interest, and ultimately fusing old and new styles in a cohesive way.”
Expect the unexpected. Improving and restoring older properties inevitably throws up hidden problems and issues along the way, and Eilir always prepares his clients by telling them to expect the unexpected from the outset. “I always forewarn clients to have some financial contingency in place, as once we start peeling back the layers of decay, we often find unforeseeable problems lurking underneath,” he says.
However, when it comes to local authority planning restrictions, Eilir has a more upbeat approach to working with listed buildings. “Restoration is always well received, however new interventions sometimes require an element of compromise, from all sides,” he says. “If our plans are met with opposition, we strive to meet in the middle to achieve the closest to our vision as possible, while still respecting the integrity of the existing building.”
Read on to discover three ways to modernise your home without compromising its old-world charm.
However, when it comes to local authority planning restrictions, Eilir has a more upbeat approach to working with listed buildings. “Restoration is always well received, however new interventions sometimes require an element of compromise, from all sides,” he says. “If our plans are met with opposition, we strive to meet in the middle to achieve the closest to our vision as possible, while still respecting the integrity of the existing building.”
Read on to discover three ways to modernise your home without compromising its old-world charm.
1. Open-plan Living
The way we live our lives today is very different to that of a 100 or so years ago. Back then, homes were designed as inward looking, often poorly lit with enclosed rooms encouraging segregation and division. These days, it’s all about letting the light flood in and being exposed to the surrounding landscape and exterior. Functional day rooms are now the go-to floorplan, creating a large space that allows the family to come together through the day for a multitude of activities. “In this age of communication, providing a large, multi-functional congregational space within a home is also important,” says Eilir. “However, there are also subtle ways of breaking up a large space, with furniture, changes of level and ceiling height, to help define the zones, whilst retaining connection.”
This Georgian cottage in Dartmoor had been left to decay. Its owners wanted to restore the historic fabric while also making it work for their modern lifestyle, so a dilapidated rear extension was knocked down and replaced with a new design that sits behind the cottage. A glazed corridor separates the two volumes, ensuring the new architecture does not compete.
See more from this project
The way we live our lives today is very different to that of a 100 or so years ago. Back then, homes were designed as inward looking, often poorly lit with enclosed rooms encouraging segregation and division. These days, it’s all about letting the light flood in and being exposed to the surrounding landscape and exterior. Functional day rooms are now the go-to floorplan, creating a large space that allows the family to come together through the day for a multitude of activities. “In this age of communication, providing a large, multi-functional congregational space within a home is also important,” says Eilir. “However, there are also subtle ways of breaking up a large space, with furniture, changes of level and ceiling height, to help define the zones, whilst retaining connection.”
This Georgian cottage in Dartmoor had been left to decay. Its owners wanted to restore the historic fabric while also making it work for their modern lifestyle, so a dilapidated rear extension was knocked down and replaced with a new design that sits behind the cottage. A glazed corridor separates the two volumes, ensuring the new architecture does not compete.
See more from this project
2. Inside-out Connections
Many historical properties were built as protection from the elements, ensuring a place of warmth and sanctuary by having small windows and thick walls to retain the heat from open fires. However, with the invention of central heating, enhanced insulation and double glazing, this has flipped, and now our homes embrace the outside environment with big windows, doors and glass ceilings, while still retaining warmth and comfort.
“We all aspire for proximity to natural light and connection to external spaces,” says Eilir. “The interaction and ease of transition between inside and outside is key. However, we always take the solar orientation of the building into account, so that the room isn’t exposed to prevailing winds but enjoys the morning or evening sun as much as possible.”
Eilir had a slightly different approach to this contemporary extension on a cottage in Beeson, Devon. To make the most of the views he decided to reverse the pitch of the roof, so that the double-height glass wall maximises the outlook and the natural solar benefits.
See more from this project
Many historical properties were built as protection from the elements, ensuring a place of warmth and sanctuary by having small windows and thick walls to retain the heat from open fires. However, with the invention of central heating, enhanced insulation and double glazing, this has flipped, and now our homes embrace the outside environment with big windows, doors and glass ceilings, while still retaining warmth and comfort.
“We all aspire for proximity to natural light and connection to external spaces,” says Eilir. “The interaction and ease of transition between inside and outside is key. However, we always take the solar orientation of the building into account, so that the room isn’t exposed to prevailing winds but enjoys the morning or evening sun as much as possible.”
Eilir had a slightly different approach to this contemporary extension on a cottage in Beeson, Devon. To make the most of the views he decided to reverse the pitch of the roof, so that the double-height glass wall maximises the outlook and the natural solar benefits.
See more from this project
3. Seasonal Spaces
An extension with lots of glass can be prone to overheating in the warmer months, and conversely, losing heat in the cooler periods. Therefore, adding features such as cross ventilation to allow breezes to flow through, underfloor heating for added warmth in the winter, and innovative glazing solutions to prevent heat loss or gain, is essential for creating a seasonal space that can be used all year round.
Another device for guaranteeing the flexibility of a space is to add an external overhang, such as in this stunning oak-framed extension on a stone house in Devon. “The generous overhang protects the internal space from wind, rain and harsh sunlight, and also ensures the external patio is covered,” says Eilir. “The extension is now a better piece of architecture thanks to the overhang, as it offers a more interesting composition, shade and depth to the structure.”
See more from this project
More: For more information and examples of Eilir Sheryn’s projects, visit the Van Ellen + Sheryn Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
An extension with lots of glass can be prone to overheating in the warmer months, and conversely, losing heat in the cooler periods. Therefore, adding features such as cross ventilation to allow breezes to flow through, underfloor heating for added warmth in the winter, and innovative glazing solutions to prevent heat loss or gain, is essential for creating a seasonal space that can be used all year round.
Another device for guaranteeing the flexibility of a space is to add an external overhang, such as in this stunning oak-framed extension on a stone house in Devon. “The generous overhang protects the internal space from wind, rain and harsh sunlight, and also ensures the external patio is covered,” says Eilir. “The extension is now a better piece of architecture thanks to the overhang, as it offers a more interesting composition, shade and depth to the structure.”
See more from this project
More: For more information and examples of Eilir Sheryn’s projects, visit the Van Ellen + Sheryn Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
VESP Architects is an award winning architectural practice based in Ashburton, Devon. We specialise in... Read More
Review by HU-295039384:
We bought this house in 2016 and approached Van Ellen Sheryn because we wanted to extend the living room. The drawings for the new room were stunning. However, when the builders began work, they dis...More
Congrats, looks amazing
The extension is stunning but sadly it would seem that the postcode lottery
applies to listed building consent as well as to other public services.
We were told by our local government conservation officer that a flat roof would be considered ‘unsightly’
and ‘visually jarring with the present architectural and historic special
interest of the listed dwelling to the detriment of its character’.
Each listed building is unique and any changes must be
sympathetic but to insist that additions conform to a mock period look does
these historic buildings a disservice. There is an argument for recreating a
period style where this would affect the streetscape but elsewhere changes
should reflect the architecture of the time, as has happened over the past 500
years giving us the varied and interesting buildings that we enjoy today. The
lack of consistency in planning guidance does nothing to promote good,
sensitive design which would enable 21st century alterations to be valued in
the future rather than merely tolerated in the present.
HU-253332229- I couldn't agree more - well put. Most of our 'success stories' have been approved by planning officers and conservation officers with vision and an element of trust in our creativity.