Interior corner with pink textured walls, beige sofa, large window with greenery outside, hanging pendant lights, and potted plants; architecture by Gresford Architects.
Interior corner with pink textured walls, beige sofa, large window with greenery outside, hanging pendant lights, and potted plants; architecture by Gresford Architects.

Renovations

Reimagining spaces: thoughtful, sustainable renovations

A well-executed renovation has the power to transform a home — enhancing functionality, improving energy performance, and breathing new life into existing structures. At Gresford Architects, we specialise in renovating homes with sensitivity and expertise, preserving their character while introducing contemporary design and sustainable improvements. Whether you are restoring a historic building, upgrading an outdated layout, or retrofitting for energy efficiency, we will tailor the renovation of your home to your needs — no two of our renovations are ever alike.

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Interior view of a dining area with wooden furniture, a large sliding glass door opening to greenery, and a skylight; architecture by Gresford Architects.
Interior view of a dining area with wooden furniture, a large sliding glass door opening to greenery, and a skylight; architecture by Gresford Architects.

Our approach to renovation design

Renovating an existing building presents unique opportunities and challenges. Our approach ensures that every project is carefully considered to achieve the best results for both the building and its inhabitants. Our process is guided by three key principles:

1. Respect for existing architecture

We carefully balance old and new, respecting the heritage and craftsmanship of existing buildings while enhancing their functionality and efficiency for modern living. Our approach ensures that period features are retained where appropriate, seamlessly integrating contemporary interventions.

2. Energy efficiency & sustainability

Older buildings often require significant improvements to their thermal performance. Our renovations focus on upgrading insulation, airtightness, and renewable energy integration while working with the building’s existing fabric to minimise environmental impact.

3. Enhancing liveability

Every renovation project is tailored to suit modern lifestyles. Whether it’s reconfiguring layouts, opening up spaces, or improving natural light and ventilation, our designs prioritise comfort, usability, and wellbeing.

[Learn More About Our Sustainable Approach →]

Close-up of a modern glass staircase by Gresford Architects, leading to a brick and white wall, with an open grey door; architecture by Gresford Architects.
Close-up of a modern glass staircase by Gresford Architects, leading to a brick and white wall, with an open grey door; architecture by Gresford Architects.

Key features of our renovations

Preserving character & heritage

Respecting original features while introducing high-quality contemporary design.

Improving energy performance

Enhancing insulation, airtightness, and glazing to reduce heat loss and increase comfort.

Modernising internal layouts

Reconfiguring spaces to suit today’s lifestyles while maintaining architectural integrity.

Sustainable material selection

Using responsibly sourced, breathable materials that improve indoor air quality and long-term durability.

Smart & future-proofed solutions

Integrating renewable energy systems, smart home technology, and adaptable spaces for evolving needs.

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Interior view of a modern, open-plan living space with large windows open to a garden, featuring white walls, built-in bookshelves, and a kitchen island, architecture by Gresford Architects.
Interior view of a modern, open-plan living space with large windows open to a garden, featuring white walls, built-in bookshelves, and a kitchen island, architecture by Gresford Architects.

Renovation projects in action: case studies

Project 1 – Boars Hill, Oxfordshire

A 1930’s home, in poor condition and with some unsympathetic additions, was purchased by our clients as a project. Their brief to us was to create a bright, friendly and sociable family home, whilst extending it to complement the existing architecture and improve the connection with the beautiful gardens and existing swimming pool.

A large white house with a red-tiled roof sits at the end of a long gravel driveway, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn, trees, and dense greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A large white house with a red-tiled roof sits at the end of a long gravel driveway, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn, trees, and dense greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A white house with a gravel driveway, surrounded by greenery and trees, with a partly cloudy sky; architecture by Gresford Architects.
A white house with a gravel driveway, surrounded by greenery and trees, with a partly cloudy sky; architecture by Gresford Architects.
A large white house with multiple chimneys, surrounded by lush trees, with a swimming pool in the foreground and a garden, architecture by Gresford Architects.
A large white house with multiple chimneys, surrounded by lush trees, with a swimming pool in the foreground and a garden, architecture by Gresford Architects.
A rear view of a traditional two-storey house with a white facade, multiple chimneys, garden, patio with outdoor furniture, swimming pool, and lush greenery, architecture by Gresford Architects.
A rear view of a traditional two-storey house with a white facade, multiple chimneys, garden, patio with outdoor furniture, swimming pool, and lush greenery, architecture by Gresford Architects.

Project 2 – Amersham, Buckinghamshire

A 1980s home, with small dark rooms, and virtually no connection to the lovely gardens and expansive views.  We worked closely with the Landscape Architect from the outset, to completely reimagine how the house, garden and views related to each other, and then looked at how the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the building could be improved. The final design involved removing the existing first floor and roof, introducing a new mass timber (Cross Laminated Timber, or CLT) first floor and roof structure, and then externally insulating and cladding the house in contemporary materials.

A brick house with a large glass-roofed extension, surrounded by a lush garden with various plants and trees, under a cloudy sky, architecture by Gresford Architects.
A brick house with a large glass-roofed extension, surrounded by a lush garden with various plants and trees, under a cloudy sky, architecture by Gresford Architects.
Modern two-story house with large glass windows and a sloped wooden roof; three people stand on a patio, and there’s a partially constructed structure in the foreground. Trees and countryside are in the background under a blue sky.
Modern two-story house with large glass windows and a sloped wooden roof; three people stand on a patio, and there’s a partially constructed structure in the foreground. Trees and countryside are in the background under a blue sky.

Project 3 – Islington, London

This extension and retrofit of an early Victorian terrace created a new rear extension, whilst also taking out the rear part of the ground floor to create a double height dining space, that opened up the basement into a bright and sociable kitchen. A new staircase was then inserted to link the living spaces below with the bedrooms above, climbing from the open plan kitchen through the double height dining room to the refurbished first and second floors. 

[View Our Projects →]

A woman in a black coat stands in a small garden, looking at her phone, with a brick building and a glass extension behind her; architecture by Gresford Architects.
A woman in a black coat stands in a small garden, looking at her phone, with a brick building and a glass extension behind her; architecture by Gresford Architects.
Modern grey extension with large glass doors revealing a bright interior, brick building backdrop, greenery, and architecture by Gresford Architects.
Modern grey extension with large glass doors revealing a bright interior, brick building backdrop, greenery, and architecture by Gresford Architects.

Modern interior with white walls, a large glass door leading to a garden, artwork, and minimalist furniture, architecture by Gresford Architects.
Modern interior with white walls, a large glass door leading to a garden, artwork, and minimalist furniture, architecture by Gresford Architects.
Graham Street
light filled refurb and extension

Why choose Gresford Architects for your renovation?

Expertise in period & contemporary architecture

We sensitively update historic properties while incorporating cutting-edge design and sustainability.

Sustainability & performance-driven upgrades

We go beyond aesthetics, ensuring renovations improve comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term durability.

Planning & listed building specialists

Our expertise in navigating planning applications and heritage considerations ensures smooth approvals and high-quality outcomes.

End-to-end project management

From feasibility studies to completion, we can oversee every aspect to ensure a seamless, stress-free process.

Transform your home with a sustainable renovation

If you’re considering a renovation and want to work with architects who blend expertise, sustainability, and design excellence, we’d love to discuss your project.

Book a consultation: Contact Us

Speak to our team: Call us at +44 (0)1865 360 037

[Get in Touch →]

Modern interior with white walls, a large glass door leading to a garden, artwork, and minimalist furniture, architecture by Gresford Architects.
Modern interior with white walls, a large glass door leading to a garden, artwork, and minimalist furniture, architecture by Gresford Architects.