This extension by Niche Design Architects in Horsforth, Leeds shows how the use of appropriate materials, textures and colours can deliver a contemporary geometry that is of adequate proportions, making the new extension seem part of the whole.

This extension by Niche Design Architects in Horsforth, Leeds shows how the use of appropriate materials, textures and colours can deliver a contemporary geometry that is of adequate proportions, making the new extension seem part of the whole.

This extension in Cirencester, by Roger Gransmore Architect, looks modern because of the use of glass but the design, form, proportions and main building materials are traditional and in keeping with the period. The extension is also slightly smalle…

This extension in Cirencester, by Roger Gransmore Architect, looks modern because of the use of glass but the design, form, proportions and main building materials are traditional and in keeping with the period. The extension is also slightly smaller than the original building.

6. Materials & details

Whether designs are expected to reflect or contrast with their context, it is important to understand and survey the colour palette and texture of the surrounding area prior to exploring design options. There is often an assumption that if materials and colours are close in appearance they will go well together but this is not always the case. When colours are too close together in the spectrum, it is advisable to design in contrast with the dominant colours but conforming with the site palette. Texture is often a difficult concept to grasp. It can be wrongly interpreted that texture only refers to the material porosity. In reality, a small change in the grain of a façade material (e.g. the separation between bricks or tiles) can have significant impact on the result. Details can be exquisite when they are of the highest quality but they can also detract from the design if they are not, or if these are not maintained and cleaned regularly. When details are not appropriate or of poor quality, the entire building and the streetscape are compromised.

Design Criteria

6.1 All details are conceived as an integral part of the design and not as an addition.

6.2 All details are in proportion and in character with the building and its time and place.

6.3 Windows and doors match and line up with those on the original house.

6.4 Gutters, bargeboards, detailing (brick, stone, etc.), boundary treatments and all materials match the original house in palette and texture unless otherwise agreed through pre-application discussions.

6.5 Demonstrate how the proposal is mitigating carbon emissions. For more information see the Carbon Neutral advice for home owners.