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. 

Real Homes Feature

A double storey timber clad extension in Westbury designed by DHV Architects is featured in the August 2015 issue of Real Homes

Double storey timber clad extension in Westbury by DHV Architects in Bristol featured in Real Homes

RIBA Flower shower installation at the Bristol Harbour Festival 2015

DHV Architects and Karena Batstone Design are preparing an exciting landscape art installation at the RIBA City Green. Plants in recycled milk bottles will be connected to a scaffolding structure to create a flower shower. Sofas made from hay bales will invite visitors to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival and enjoy a green solar tea which will be made with a kettle powered by solar panels. The RIBA City Green is an interactive city square at the Bristol Harbour Festival (from 17 - 19. July) with exhibition space, family activities and workshops. Come and help us to set the Guinness world record for the world's largest colouring in book (5x2.2m). The book will contain 20 different images of Bristol by several Bristol artists.

Flower shower installation at Bristol Harbour Festival 2015 by DHVA and Karena Batstone Design

Going shopping for Flower Shower

Flower bounty in Karena's car

Vertical bottle wall

Flowers for Flower Shower

Flowers everywhere

Horizontal overhead planting coming along

Plants for Flower shower installation at Bristol Harbour Festival 2015 by DHVA and Karena Batstone Design

New Blog

DHV Architects have launched a new blog which will feature Elke's garden in Bristol and everything plant and garden design related in the South West

Who deserves the design award?

the perfect garden toilet or the home made kids' hut? The hut was build during one day by 4 kids with scrap materials and one bag of nails.

DHV Architects wins Bristol LABC Building Excellence Awards 2015

We are delighted to announce that our eco extension in Redland has been chosen as the winner in the category of Best Small Extension. The high standards of design and execution by Samuel Construction has convinced the judges.

Good Homes May 2015

DHV Architects' clever kitchen extension in Bishopston (Bristol) has been featured in the May 2015 issue of Good Homes. With the help of architect Federica, Clare and Rick created an amazing kitchen / dining / living area including a small study corner and utility room.