A clever design approach is at the heart of Acorn’s ethos when it comes to breathing new life into historic or run-down properties. Whether a building dates from Georgian or Victorian eras or even more recent decades like the 1970s, the team is committed to maximising its potential, finding new ways to reveal touches of character, whilst ensuring the space is fit for 21st-century living.
You want to know that there has been care and attention to detail when a historic building has been redeveloped. It may be listed, it might have had a fascinating former use, or it could be brimming with original features such as period fireplaces, cornicing or beautiful brickwork.
Julian Hampson is Acorn’s Group Design Director with an eye for detail and blending the old with the new. “We believe that these qualities are an asset and must be brought to the fore,” he says. “ These characterful features take on a different status when they are framed by stylish, modern design.”
Acorn’s properties are developed to the highest specification. Think generous living spaces, underfloor heating, clever lighting control and striking design, married with the latest eco-friendly features.
“We find that our contemporary approach to design sets off the historic charm of a building. We take great pride in considering each property individually, looking at its merits and taking a unique approach to each one.”
Amongst Acorn’s recent projects is Station House, a police station dating from 1904 built-in Muswell Hill, London and with plenty of original features. It has been given a new lease of life as apartments with all the latest mod cons, but careful attention was also paid to preserving its unique charm, from its striking red brick and stone to its historic entrance ‘police’ sign.
South of the river, Long Lane SE1 at Design House, a touch of character has been added to the extension and refurbishment of a 1970s block. While the original building had no great architectural merit exposing the existing external wall made of two tones of brick, set against a new raw exposed concrete frame has injected colour and texture into the property. Julian calls these: “Colourful collisions and happy accidents of design.”
In Bristol, Brandon Yard is the last piece in the jigsaw of the regeneration of this part of the city’s famous floating harbour. The careful restoration of the Purifier House and Engine House includes splayed window reveals, softening the sunlight and daylight and enhancing the views of the SS Great Britain ship, whilst staying true to the historic glazing pattern.
Further south in Fowey, a small town in Cornwall, Old Station Master’s House, dating from the late Victorian era, was completely rebuilt, after the team took it down stone by stone labelling each one. The new building was carefully clad with the original stones, preserving its historic charm to create one-of-a-kind apartments.
These restoration projects are not only individual in terms of their design, but they are also built to last with an emphasis on using quality materials. There is also a commitment to making the most of every property ensuring they are places in which people truly want to live, work or relax.
Check out all of our latest developments here
