1960s home redesign

During the last couple of years we have noticed a trend for purchasing post-war properties with a view to modernise, extend and upgrade them, often with significant budgets. As a result, we have carried out several projects involving the re-design of 1960s houses.

Infill developments of post-war homes can often be found in desirable suburbs, providing a cheaper alternative to period houses of a similar size.

Whereas period properties' renovations are somehow constrained by deference to the original design and consideration for the historical features, a post-war home can be treated as a "blank canvas": a contemporary aesthetic can be developed for the exterior (this will usually require planning consent), in some instances akin to designing a new-build house.

Energy upgrades can be carried out more effectively. External wall insulation with a render finish is preferable to internal insulation: it eliminates cold spots at wall and floor junctions, and does not pose the risk of interstitial condensation. High-performance timber or aluminium windows can be installed. In some instances a pitch roof can be turned into a flat one to increase ceiling and window height.

Given the chronic lack of individual building plots in the UK, potential self-builders should start thinking outside the box: a radical 1960s house re-design might just be the next best thing.