Heritage Meets Home:
Making Beautiful Changes in Conservation Areas
London’s conservation areas are among its greatest architectural assets - neighbourhoods rich in history, texture, and local identity. Whether it’s the brickwork rhythms of a Victorian terrace or the quiet order of Georgian townhouses, these settings tell stories that extend well beyond the plot line. But for homeowners hoping to renovate, extend, or adapt a property in such an area, the experience can be both inspiring and daunting.
At Unagru, we believe that great design doesn’t fight against conservation - it grows from it. With projects across Islington, Hackney, Kensington and other heritage-rich boroughs, we’ve developed a sensitive yet creative approach to working in conservation areas. For us, every project is an opportunity to deepen a home’s connection with its setting, to enhance rather than erase, and to write new stories into old contexts.
What Is A Conservation Area?
A conservation area is designated by a local authority as having special architectural or historic interest. The goal is not to freeze these places in time, but to manage change in a way that preserves their character. This means that planning rules are stricter than elsewhere: alterations that affect the appearance of a building - particularly those visible from the street - are more closely scrutinised, and permitted development rights are often curtailed.
But restrictions don’t mean limitations. Done well, design in conservation areas can be more compelling, not less. The challenge is not to mimic the past, but to respond to it intelligently - with craftsmanship, proportion, and architectural clarity.
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Our Approach: Respect, Context, and Innovation
In our award-winning project House For A Cellist, the house became a study in balance - between heritage and modernity, performance and quiet, structure and atmosphere. Located in the De Beauvoir Conservation Area, the project involved opening up the interior of a Victorian house while retaining its essential character. The rear extension - crafted in soft brick and charred timber - steps down into a lush garden and includes a music room designed with acoustic sensitivity and natural light in mind.
The heritage significance of the area required careful negotiation with planners. We showed that by reinforcing key architectural lines, respecting original details, and using high-quality, tactile materials, we could add meaning and value to both the house and the streetscape.
Planning In Conservation Areas: Knowledge Is Key
Planning permissions in conservation areas are not impossible- they just require more thought. We prepare Design and Access Statements that clearly articulate how the proposal preserves or enhances the area’s character. We often include heritage assessments and photographic surveys, and we collaborate early with conservation officers to anticipate concerns.
In our Cambridge Place project - a Georgian house in the De Vere Conservation Area - we faced decades of unsympathetic alterations. Our work restored a coherent plan and introduced a discreet lower-ground extension, using garden-level courtyards and lightwells to bring light and calm to the home without disturbing its façade. It was a negotiation between structural clarity and architectural empathy - and it worked.
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Light, Materials and Detail
When designing in conservation areas, small things matter. The colour of a window frame. The angle of a parapet. The way brick meets sky. We pay close attention to materials - not only matching those of neighbouring buildings, but updating them with subtle contrast and care.
At House for a Cellist, we used flush timber frames and handmade bricks that echo the textures of the original structure. The result is always dialogue, not pastiche.
Why Projects In Conservation Areas Require Experienced Professionals
1. Design Intelligence: Navigating conservation guidelines is a creative act. We find elegant ways to meet regulations without compromising ambition.
2. Planning Expertise: We engage proactively with planners, conservation officers, and neighbours. Our planning documents are not just technical, they are persuasive design arguments.
3. Heritage Sensitivity: We respect what's already there. But we also know when to challenge received ideas in service of better living environments.
4. Craft and Care: Working in older homes means working with what you find. We coordinate closely with structural engineers and builders to ensure that interventions are both beautiful and buildable.
Final Thoughts
Conservation areas are not constraints - they’re contexts. At Unagru, we see them as rich, layered frameworks for design. Whether it's a light-filled kitchen in Islington, a music room in De Beauvoir, or a reorganised ground floor in Hackney, our work shows that heritage and modernity can not only coexist, but elevate one another.
If you live in a conservation area and are considering a renovation or extension, we’d love to explore what’s possible. Let’s design a future that respects the past - and brings new life to your home.
About Us
At Unagru, we are passionate about designing exceptional, functional spaces that are tailored to the needs of your household and rooted in the character of the local area. Based in East London, our studio is led by Director, Davide di Martino, and brings together a multidisciplinary team of architects, urbanists, and interior designers, with a shared focus on high-quality home extensions, full refurbishments, conversions, and commercial developments, delivering design that enhances everyday life.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of London's planning landscape, our commitment to design integrity, and a collaborative process that puts your priorities first. As an RIBA Chartered Practice, we uphold the highest standards in architecture, balancing creativity with responsibility.
Sustainability is built into everything we do. We take a fabric-first approach to maximise energy performance, use low-impact materials, and reduce embodied carbon, ensuring your home not only looks beautiful, but performs for years to come.
With a growing portfolio of award-winning projects across the city, we are the trusted choice for London homeowners who want personalised, well-managed design from start to finish.
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We're here to make your dream home a reality.
Email us at mail@unagru.com, call us on +442072544777, or use the button below to get in touch.