Do your research

Before you start modifying a building you must know what you are working with.

Do some research and find out as much as you can about the building's history and whether it is listed or in a conservation area.

Even if it's not, you should still evaluate the quality of the architecture.

Not every old building is wonderful just because it's old, but it must be said that we don't have a good conservation track record in Ireland and have demolished many beautiful buildings that could have easily been repaired.

Don't let rip

Retain key original features and consider using architectural salvage to replace damaged elements.

All too often people push for ripping things out which they could easily repair or replace.

You may need specialist advice to carry out this work, for instance by consulting about replacement or repair of sash windows or with a stone company who can match existing stone work.

A small number of salvage companies offer a broad range of replacement items such as granite window sills, chimney pots, doors, radiators and so on.

Something must go

Consider removing any inappropriate or unsympathetic existing additions which are clearly not part of the original, such as badly constructed extensions.

Just because something is already there, it doesn't mean you have to retain and work with it. Its removal could enhance the building or create an outdoor space.

Alternatively it could be remodelled. New interventions should clearly be read as such. This shows a respect for the original building and allows it to be clearly identified from new work.

Pastiche is passe

A well designed addition is preferable to a pastiche (copy of the original) that isn't properly considered. This concept has its origins as far back as the 19th century, when the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in England stipulated that anything added to a building shouldn't obscure the original structure. This has continued to be the prevailing philosophy. In practice, considerable delicacy is needed to comply with these guidelines.

New beginnings

New work gives you the chance to deal with practical problems. You can use the opportunity to bring more light into the interior, and create a strong relationship with the exterior.

Many older buildings are dark and have a poor connection with the garden and these problems can be easily rectified.

A garden room and/or terrace can link inside and outside effectively. Internal spaces can be reorganised, and links created between old and new.

Something very simple, such as fitting glazed doors, can create a feeling of increased space by expanding the vista.

Depending on the extent of work you're doing, think about installing under-floor heating which means you won't need to have potentially unsightly radiators. New kitchens can be treated in a sympathetic but contemporary way.

Kitchen concepts

Historical pastiche is invariably unsuccessful. A fitted kitchen is a relatively modern concept - the first ones were designed in the 1920s and 30s.

Before that, as can be seen in the kitchens of houses such as those designed by the architect Edwin Lutyens, there were separate unfitted dressers and units with sinks set into them. These were arranged on the various walls, often with a large central table.

If you have the space then a traditional, free-standing country kitchen may work well. But a country-style fitted kitchen - such as one made from pine - isn't appropriate.

Modern materials can be both practical and sympathetic. The same applies to bathrooms where a combination of comfort and practicality should inform the design.

Insisting that all new additions be in keeping with the old is unnecessarily restrictive and may put a straight jacket on design possibilities.

Few people would want to wear period clothes or drive (at least on a daily basis!) an old unreliable car.

Many planning authorities are now amenable to contemporary design, and actively encourage it. Care should be taken to clearly outline the rationale that supports the proposal.

Lighting up

Light fittings and fixtures should also avoid pastiche and care should be taken to ensure that their scale and material is appropriate to the building type.

It's better to have a contemporary light fitting that fits in scale and works with mood of the house rather than pretend coach lamps which are not remotely historical looking. Many period-style fixtures and fittings only have a passing resemblance to the object they're aping.

Combine old and new

Combining old and new can work really well, it's a question of balance. Italian designers are brilliant at this - and will have a modern light on top of an ancient chest of drawers - and they do it effortlessly.

An interior done completely in a period style can look conservative while an all modern house can look a bit like a furniture showroom.

The success of a project depends to a great extent on a creative discussion between client and architect with open minds on both sides!

Peter Cully runs an architectural practice, (01) 284 8746.