FPArchitects have restored and refurbished a four-storey grade II listed Georgian mid terrace in London's Limehouse, turning the gloomy and dilapidated house into a bright and minimalist family home. Located within the Lowell Street Conservation Area and on one of London's busiest roads, the early 19th century building was the subject of insensitive extensive works in the mid 1990s when much of the original fabric and features were lost. FPArchitects' ambition was to re-establish the decorative hierarchy of the interiors by stripping out unsympathetic features and insert paired down decorative elements that complement the original rusticated stucco, round-headed windows and the entrance with fluted columns. Ancillary spaces are inserted within the original cellular layout with minimal disruption to the fabric of the building. A side extension at the back, also added in the mid 1990s, is transformed into a small pavilion-like Dining Room with minimal sliding doors and apertures for overhead natural light. Subtle shades of colours and materials with fine textures are preferred and are juxtaposed to dark floors in veiled reference to the Regency and Georgian aesthetics.

Maison FP l Rénovation énergétique en bois et acier noir.

Atelier Ose

Redonner à la façade côté jardin une dimension domestique était l’un des principaux enjeux de ce projet, qui avait déjà fait l’objet d’une première extension. Il s’agissait également de réaliser des travaux de rénovation énergétique comprenant l’isolation par l’extérieur de toute la partie Est de l’habitation. Les tasseaux de bois donnent à la partie basse un aspect chaleureux, tandis que des ouvertures en aluminium anthracite, dont le rythme resserré affirme un style industriel rappelant l’ancienne véranda, donnent sur une grande terrasse en béton brut au rez-de-chaussée. En partie supérieure, le bardage horizontal en tôle nervurée anthracite vient contraster avec le bois, tout en résonnant avec la teinte des menuiseries. Grâce à l’accord entre les matières et à la subdivision de cette façade en deux langages distincts, l’effet de verticalité est estompé, instituant ainsi une nouvelle échelle plus intimiste et accueillante.

Townhouse Exterior Design Ideas with a Butterfly Roof

The front exterior of your home – the driveway, front yard, verandah and entrance – is a fantastic place to start making that all-important first impression on house guests. Even mailboxes and house numbers can have a wonderful way of grabbing people’s attention. The architectural design should reflect the overall style of your house and the family that live there; while your choice of materials will help your house blend in with its surrounds. Browse the photos on Houzz for ideas and inspiration for the exterior of your house, and strike up a conversation with the architects and designers of your favourite picks. You’ll find house designs for contemporary, eclectic, modern, traditional styles and more.

How do I decide on the exterior style of my home?

Your location, overall sense of style, budget and current home layout will dictate the style of your exterior. If you’re renovating a period home, the materials and features you use should reflect the date in which it was built, while a unique colour scheme could add contemporary flair. New homes may prefer to look to modern or contemporary designs with structural simplicity, whereas, if you live by the ocean, a beach-style design may better suit your locale. That’s not to say you can’t build a new home that has period influences. If you’re a traditionalist, you can borrow architectural details from the Art Deco period, for instance, or use finishes that reflect more of a Scandinavian style, too.

What exterior house colours and materials should I use?

Traditional homes typically use brick and timber building materials, while stone, board-formed concrete and metal cladding are popular contemporary options. Again, the materials you use will depend on your location and the statement you want to make. Your budget will also affect your choice. Vinyl siding is affordable and easy to install, while stone is more expensive but durable and low maintenance. If you’re not ready to renovate but want to update the exterior of your home, you can still paint it. Look to your neighbours when choosing exterior house colours. Consider the streetscape and what type of colours are already in use, firstly, so you don’t replicate next door’s shade; and secondly, so you don’t stand out like a sore thumb. If you’re renovating a period home, you could paint features or intricate details in a bold, standout hue. Front doors, garage doors and window trims also look great in eye-catching colours, even if the rest of the house’s facade is neutral.

How can I maximise my home’s street appeal?

To spice up your home’s architectural design, landscape the surrounding area with plants and pathways that accent the style of your home. If you just need a quick revamp, look at your cement and pavers – these can split and crack over time; and repairing or replacing them can do wonders for your street appeal, especially if it’s a large area like your driveway. Plants, garden paths or low walls can can also add structure to your front yard. Light up your home with sufficient outdoor lighting to make walking up to the front door easy at night. You could use bollard lights along your entry path, or replace tiny wall sconces with statement pendant lighting at the entrance or on your verandah. Decorative elements such as house numbers, mailboxes and doormats will also add character. And if you're looking to sell your house, it may be worth hiring a stylist to help make the most of your property.