Renovations

House renovation architects in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and London.

Every building holds a story, written in timber, stone and brick. At Gresford Architects, renovation is about more than renewal — it is about revealing hidden potential. From Victorian terraces in Oxford, to farmhouses in the Cotswolds, to townhouses in London, we design renovations that honour a building’s past while preparing it for the future.

As a RIBA Chartered Practice, ARB-registered architects, members of the Passivhaus Trust and the Green Register, we bring both technical depth and creative sensitivity to every renovation project. Our goal is simple: to breathe new life into old walls, balancing the poetic and the practical for homes that are healthier, more sustainable and a joy to live in.

What is renovation design?

Renovation design is the art of adapting and upgrading existing buildings for better comfort, efficiency and resilience, without erasing their character. It may involve restoring original features, improving layouts, or re-engineering performance to meet 21st-century standards.

Our expertise spans:

  • Listed buildings requiring heritage sensitivity and Listed Building Consent.
  • Townhouses and terraces, reconfigured for natural light, flow and modern living.
  • Farmhouses and rural cottages, upgraded with breathable insulations and natural materials.
  • Modern homes, reimagined with new layouts and sustainable performance upgrades.

Our approach to renovations

Discovering the building’s potential

Every renovation begins with detailed investigation — mapping structure, historic layers, and hidden challenges. We use building surveys, fabric analysis and careful site study to uncover opportunities for improved daylight, flow and function.

Respecting character, upgrading performance

Features such as beams, cornices and stonework are restored with craftsmanship. Modern interventions — from extensions to new joinery — are designed to sit harmoniously with the old. Performance upgrades include internal wall insulation (IWI), airtightness strategies, thermal bridge analysis (Ψ-values), and triple glazing where appropriate, verified through blower-door testing.

Moisture safety and breathability

Older buildings demand careful detailing. We use hygrothermal modelling (WUFI) to assess moisture risks, ensuring that vapour-open materials such as lime mortars, cork and wood fibre boards are used appropriately to protect fabric integrity.

Sustainable, low-impact methods

Renovation is an opportunity to reduce embodied carbon by reusing existing fabric and integrating reclaimed timber, stone and brick. We follow circular economy principles — designing for repair, reuse and longevity while minimising waste.

Liveability and adaptability

We unlock flexible layouts, create family-friendly living spaces, and introduce daylight through carefully placed openings. Renovations are designed for today’s lifestyles and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Collaboration and clarity

We work closely with clients, specialist craftspeople, and consultants, ensuring heritage and performance goals align. From planning applications to site delivery, communication is open and transparent. Post-completion, we carry out post-occupancy evaluations (POE) to ensure promises are met in lived reality

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Considering a renovation?

Renovation projects in action

A turquoise checkered background with the text 4:3 aspect in large black letters centered at the top. Black diagonal lines intersect from each corner, forming an X over the image.
A turquoise checkered background with the text 4:3 aspect in large black letters centered at the top. Black diagonal lines intersect from each corner, forming an X over the image.

Project 1 – A historic townhouse in Oxford, renewed for 21st-century living with restored detailing, new insulation and MVHR ventilation for year-round comfort.

A turquoise checkered background with the text 4:3 aspect in large black letters centered at the top. Black diagonal lines intersect from each corner, forming an X over the image.
A turquoise checkered background with the text 4:3 aspect in large black letters centered at the top. Black diagonal lines intersect from each corner, forming an X over the image.

Project 2 – The radical transformation of a 1960s family home in the Chilterns — internal walls reconfigured, a new low-energy strategy, and daylight introduced for a flexible, connected lifestyle.

A turquoise checkered background with the text 4:3 aspect in large black letters centered at the top. Black diagonal lines intersect from each corner, forming an X over the image.
A turquoise checkered background with the text 4:3 aspect in large black letters centered at the top. Black diagonal lines intersect from each corner, forming an X over the image.

Project 3 – A Victorian terrace in London, extended and retrofitted with breathable insulation, passive ventilation, and bespoke joinery for modern family living.

Why Choose Gresford Architects for Your Renovation?

  • Heritage and modern expertise — From Grade II listed barns like The Great Barn to contemporary townhouses, we respect each building’s character while unlocking performance and comfort.
  • Performance-driven design — Our renovations deliver measurable results in energy use, air quality and thermal comfort. Tom Gresford’s own EnerPhit retrofit of The Old Orchard provides lived experience of deep retrofit and sensitive renewal.
  • Planning and heritage expertise — We navigate planning permission and Listed Building Consent, working in dialogue with local authorities such as Oxford City Council and Cotswold District planners. With ties to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), our approach balances conservation and innovation.
  • Award-winning credibility — The Deerings, a certified PassivHaus new-build, won a RIBA East Award (2018) for sustainability and design quality. Our work has been profiled by Grand Designs Magazine, Dezeen, The Spaces, and The Modern House.
  • End-to-end support — From feasibility to final handover, we act as your advocate — ensuring that design vision, budgets and performance targets are achieved.

Ready to reimagine your home?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is renovation design?

 It is the process of upgrading and adapting existing buildings for comfort, performance and longevity, while respecting their character.

Can listed buildings be renovated sustainably?

Yes. Using breathable insulations, lime mortars, and moisture risk modelling (WUFI), listed buildings can be improved sustainably while preserving heritage.

Do I need planning permission for a renovation?

In many cases, yes. We guide clients through planning permission and Listed Building Consent, ensuring smooth dialogue with conservation officers.

How much does a renovation cost?

 Budgets typically range from £150,000 to £750,000+, depending on scale, complexity and heritage factors. We provide detailed cost plans at feasibility stage.

How long does a renovation take?

Timelines vary, but most projects take 6–18 months from design to completion, depending on scope and permissions.

What are the risks in renovating an older property?

Common issues include damp, hidden structural problems, or outdated services. Our surveys and modelling mitigate risks before construction begins.

How do renovations improve energy efficiency?

 Through added insulation, airtightness upgrades, new glazing, and MVHR ventilation systems. These measures cut energy bills and improve indoor air quality.

What is the difference between renovation and retrofit?

 Renovation focuses on renewal and usability. Retrofit is a technical upgrade of the building fabric (e.g. to EnerPhit standards). Many projects blend both.

How do you balance old and new in renovation design?

We believe in the marriage of the poetic and the practical — restoring original features while introducing contemporary interventions that feel timeless and respectful.

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