Excerpt: Need more space but afraid of ruining the character of your property? Discover why contrasting modern materials like glass and green oak can often be the most sympathetic design choice.

We often meet clients who are torn. They love the cozy, historic charm of their period cottage or farmhouse, but their modern lifestyle demands something the original building can’t provide: a large open-plan kitchen, a connection to the garden, or simply more light.

The solution is often an extension. But how do you add to a 300-year-old building without ruining it?

The “Pastiche” Trap A common instinct is to try and make the new extension look exactly like the old house—matching the stone, the windows, and the roofline perfectly. While this can work, it often results in a “pastiche”—a fake historic addition that confuses the history of the building and can sometimes look a bit “Disney.”

The Case for Contrast Interestingly, heritage conservation officers often prefer a different approach: Legibility.

This means that when you look at the building, you should be able to “read” its history. You can clearly see the original 18th-century farmhouse, and you can clearly see the 21st-century addition.

Why Oak and Glass Work Best This is why we specialize in Green Oak framing combined with extensive glazing.

1. It Respects the Timber Tradition: Using oak framing acknowledges the craftsmanship of the original building.
2. It Brings in Light: Historic homes are often dark with small windows. A glass-heavy extension floods the new living space with natural light, solving a major functional problem.
3. It Connects You to Nature: Old houses often turn their backs on the garden. A modern oak room blurs the boundary between inside and outside.

Your Home, Evolved Your home’s history didn’t stop 200 years ago. By adding a high-quality, honest extension, you are adding the next chapter to its story—creating a space that respects the past but is built for the way you live today.

Dreaming of a light-filled garden room or kitchen extension? Let’s look at the possibilities for your property.