Traditional Front, Modern Rear
A Project By: MKH Architects
Location: Marldon, Devon, United Kingdom
Project Summary:
This project was shaped through close collaboration with the client and his young, growing family, ensuring every element met their needs. A traditional, sympathetic design was implemented to the road‑facing elevation, carefully matching existing finishes, while the rear extension adopts a contemporary, minimalistic and beautifully simple architectural expression.
Project Detail:
This project was shaped from the very beginning through close collaboration with the client and his young, growing family. Their needs, routines, budget and aspirations formed the foundation of every design decision. The brief centred on creating a home that felt both familiar and future‑ready: traditional and respectful to the street scene, yet contemporary, open, filled with natural light and practical for modern family life. Achieving this balance required a careful architectural response that honoured the existing character while introducing a fresh, minimalistic extension to the rear.
The property sits within an established residential setting, where the road‑facing elevation plays an important role in maintaining visual continuity across the built environment. For this reason, the design approach to the front was intentionally conservative and sympathetic. Traditional proportions were retained, and all new elements were detailed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. Matching cladding, reclaimed slate roof, and introduction of lead over the roof overhang and side extension ensured that the proposal reads as a natural continuation of the original building. This was a key priority for the client, who wanted the home to appear as though it had always been this way — quietly improved rather than dramatically altered.
In contrast, the rear of the property offered an opportunity to introduce a more contemporary architectural language. Here, the design shifts to a minimalistic and clean aesthetic, characterised by simple lines, large areas of glazing, and a strong connection to the garden. The new rear extension opens the home to natural light and views, creating a calm, uncluttered environment that supports everyday family life. The minimal detailing — slim frames, flush thresholds, and pared‑back material choices — allows the architecture to feel effortless and modern without overwhelming the original structure.
The interior alterations were designed to support the family’s daily rhythm. The new layout encourages togetherness, with open‑plan living spaces that flow naturally between kitchen, dining, and garden. The articulation — warm timber finishes, soft natural light, and generous openings — reflects the project’s emphasis on creating a home that feels both functional and nurturing within the built environment. The family’s young children were an important consideration: safe sightlines, durable materials, and flexible spaces were integrated throughout to support play, movement, and shared time.
Large folding doors and carefully positioned glazing create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. This connection was central to the client’s vision, enabling the garden to become an extension of the living space. Whether cooking, dining, or relaxing, the family can enjoy uninterrupted views of greenery and natural light. The rear extension’s simplicity enhances this experience — the architecture steps back, allowing the landscape and family life to take centre stage.
Materiality plays a unifying role across the project. While the front elevation remains rooted in traditional finishes, the rear introduces a palette of natural timber, crisp plaster, and refined metalwork. These choices echo the warmth and simplicity seen in the interior imagery: tactile surfaces, soft tones, and a calm, uncluttered aesthetic. The result is a home that feels coherent, balanced, and deeply connected to its occupants.
Ultimately, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design within the built environment can respond to both context and contemporary living. By respecting the traditional character of the road‑facing elevation and embracing a modern, minimalistic approach to the rear, the home achieves a harmonious blend of old and new. Most importantly, it reflects the needs and personality of the client’s young family — creating a space that supports their present and grows with them into the future.
