In New Zealand, our towns and cities are adorned with charming heritage villas that carry rich historical significance. These architectural treasures stand as a testament to our cultural heritage, telling stories of a bygone era. As homeowners, it is our responsibility to honour and preserve these precious relics while ensuring they remain functional and relevant in the modern world. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of being sympathetic to upgrading old heritage villas and provide insights into how to achieve a harmonious balance between preservation and often necessary improvements.
At 27acres we have the right training and experience to guide you through a renovation that is sympathetic to the existing structure, like one of our existing projects Villa 65. We have also noted some of our key strategies for homeowners below:
Understand the Heritage Value:
Before embarking on any upgrades, take the time to understand the heritage value of your villa. Research its historical significance, architectural style, and any specific features that make it unique. This knowledge will guide your decision-making process and help you prioritize preservation efforts during the upgrade.
Consult Heritage Professionals:
When it comes to upgrading a heritage villa, seeking guidance from a design professionals is essential. They can provide valuable insights into appropriate materials, construction techniques, and design elements that maintain the villa's authenticity while accommodating modern needs.
Preserve Key Architectural Features:
One of the crucial aspects of sympathetic upgrading is preserving the villa's key architectural features. These features could include ornate mouldings, intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, or original flooring. Carefully restore and repair these elements to maintain the villa's character and charm. If replacements are necessary, source materials that closely match the original ones in terms of style, texture, and colour.
Modernisation:
While it is important to preserve the heritage value, it is also necessary to make sensible modernisations to enhance liveability. Focus on upgrading essential systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating while ensuring that the changes are discreet and respectful of the villa's original design. Concealing modern infrastructure behind walls or utilizing concealed conduits can help preserve the villa's aesthetics.
Adaptive Reuse:
Consider adaptive reuse strategies that enable the villa to serve modern functions while preserving its historic integrity. For example, converting unused spaces into home offices, libraries, or guest suites can meet contemporary needs without compromising the villa's overall aesthetic. Additionally, incorporating sustainable technologies such as solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems can enhance the villa's environmental efficiency while respecting its heritage.
Conclusion:
Upgrading an old heritage villa requires a delicate balance between preservation and necessary improvements. By understanding the heritage value, consulting with a professional (like us), preserving key architectural features, making sensible modernisations, and embracing adaptive reuse, we can ensure these treasured villas continue to grace our towns and cities for generations to come. At 27acres we are strong advocates in embracing our role as custodians of history and providing sympathetic solutions to upgrading your home, honouring the past while embracing the future.
Good post 😀