PROJECT ELEVATED HERITAGE

PROJECT ARCHITECT CLAUDE BORG

IN COLLABORATION with GREGORIO GIUBILARO

2024-2025 | Arch-con Atelier

Three images showing construction and renovation of a courtyard house with medieval and modern architectural elements.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Elevated Heritage is a house of character expansion project which encapsulates the seamless integration of historical architecture with contemporary design. The original two-story house was built using classic materials and techniques, and we added two additional floors while making sure the original building stayed intact. We followed three main principles in the design: authenticity, reversibility, and structural independence.

Authenticity was achieved by keeping the old and new sections visually and materially distinct. The design is reversible, meaning the additions can be removed in the future without damaging the original structure. We also made sure the new floors didn’t put any extra weight on the old roof. The project showcases how you can adapt a historic home for modern living while preserving its architectural value.

A wooden dollhouse with multiple rooms, windows, and various architectural features.
  • A modern architectural building with a complex facade, featuring white walls, large glass windows, and an overhanging grid-like structure.
  • Architectural drawing of a building with structural framework, brick wall, and interior spaces.
  • 3D rendering of a building's steel framework with wood exterior walls, seen from above, showing the foundation, walls, and partial roof structure.
  • Building under construction with a metal framework against beige stone walls and a swimming pool in the foreground, under a blue sky.
  • Modern multi-story building with tan brick and brown panels, featuring long horizontal windows and a pool in the courtyard.

ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

The new addition to the building feels modern but still connects to the original house in a respectful way. We used corton steel for the exterior, which has a weathered look that complements the limestone of the original structure.

The new floors are lightweight, and the design makes sure the addition doesn’t overwhelm the original house. It’s clear that the building has been expanded, but the changes are subtle and don’t detract from the original character. The new materials and detailing allow the structure to stand out without clashing with the existing building.

FUNCTION & USE

The design works well by giving the client the extra space they needed while keeping things comfortable and safe. We added two more floors, with a new staircase for easy access, and ensured that the master bedroom and rooftop spaces had all the necessary amenities. The spaces are designed to be comfortable, and the materials we used-like insulated lightweight walls- help make the home energy-efficient. We also included outdoor features like a small swimming pool and a rainwater reservoir to support a good quality of life for the residents.

View of an arched stone tunnel with construction materials leaning against the wall on the left side and a window at the end showing an outdoor scene.
View of old stone buildings with concrete structure and wires against cloudy sky
Scene of a construction site or backyard with bricks, wooden planks, and construction materials amid stone and brick walls.
  • Construction site showing a stone wall with metal supports and scaffolding against a bright blue sky.
  • View of a construction site with a metal framework for a building and brick walls, with neighboring buildings and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
  • View of a construction site on a rooftop with scaffolding on the right, stone walls and buildings in the background, partly cloudy sky.
  • Construction site with metal framework and scaffolding for building or renovation.
  • Metal framing for a building under construction with partially built brick and concrete walls and a blue sky.
  • A construction worker on scaffolding working inside a building under construction, with metal framing and a stone wall in the background.
Photo of a white building under construction with several rectangular windows and a clear blue sky in the background.
Exterior of a building under construction with scaffolding, a glass door, and framed windows.
Construction site with masonry walls, scaffolding, and metal framework for building restoration.
Construction site images showing insulation and weathering steel panels on building exterior

CONTEXT & IMPACT

The new addition fits well within the surrounding neighbourhood and doesn’t dominate the streetscape. The height and scale of the building match its context, and while the addition is modern, it doesn’t stand out aggressively. It blends nicely into the roofscape of the neighbourhood, with the colour and materials aligning with the local surroundings. The project also contributes positively by providing a sustainable solution for expanding a historic house without disrupting the area’s architectural fabric.

SUSTAINABILITY

We took several steps to reduce the environmental impact of the project. Using lightweight materials, like corton steel and gypsum, helped reduce the need for heavy construction equipment and minimized the overall footprint. The building is well-insulated, making it more energy-efficient. We also installed a rainwater collection system to supply water for the small swimming pool and toilets. The building makes the most of passive design features, like natural ventilation through the stack effect, which helps keep energy use low. Overall, the design is focused on sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.

INNOVATION

This project takes a fresh approach by successfully blending modern construction techniques with the preservation of a historic house. The lightweight steel structure allowed us to add two floors without adding unnecessary stress to the original building. We used corton steel cladding and integrated insulation and rainwater harvesting systems, which shows a commitment to sustainability and modern design. The design is also reversible, meaning the new parts can be removed without harming the original house- an innovative way to preserve the building's history while adapting it to current needs.

Close-up of a modern building exterior with rusted metal panels, rectangular windows, and a large vent with vertical black slats.
Low-angle view of a modern building with stone and rust-colored metal exterior, various windows, and scaffolding on the side, under a partly cloudy sky.