Renovation does not mean replacing everything
The value of renovation often lies in judging precisely what should change and what deserves to remain. Total removal may look direct, but can erase qualities left by material, proportion and time.
Begin with a problem list
Poor daylight, indirect circulation, missing storage and ageing services are different kinds of issue. Identifying impact and priority helps direct the budget towards meaningful improvement.
Make the relationship between old and new clear
Retention does not mean nostalgia. New interventions can establish a legible relationship with existing fabric through material, detail and scale, without imitation.