4 minute read
Hamptons interview with Haslemere architect Finn Christiansen.
Finn Christiansen: Director.
Tell us a little of the background of your Architects practice?
I set up Christiansen Architects after many years in London with a large, award-winning firm. The majority of our projects are residential and involve external and/or interior Architecture design services, but we do oversee many of our clients’ internal furnishings as well. We are typically involved from the initial sketch scheme phase, right through planning applications, detailed design and site management.
Every project is unique, and we thrive on designing homes to fit our clients’ specific lifestyles and personalities as well as the site and its environment. That being said, we are always eager to introduce indirect daylight and solid, natural materials that look beautiful initially, and will weather and age in a way that only improves with time. We are also committed to conservation and sustainability, and recently achieved accredited Passive House designer status which involves the design and delivery of net-zero-ready new and existing buildings.
Do you offer pre-exchange assessments to residential clients?
Yes, we offer a 1-hour, free, preliminary consultation to discuss projects you are considering and we can help with everything from a full “knock it down and start again” project, to refurbishments and extensions including fixed interior elements such as kitchens and wardrobes. We also have strong relationships with local contractors who can help prepare an initial cost plan based on current market rates.
What are the most popular requests from residential clients?
We regularly deal with families moving into homes that haven’t been updated or renovated for several decades, where we can bring modernity and efficiencies without compromising the charm and aesthetic of the original house. Clients tend to have an initial set of requirements, but also want us to take a holistic look at the property, to consider all the opportunities and improvements on offer. Typically, we focus on the heart of the home (kitchen, living, dining) and how this space prioritises views and encourages a seamless transition to a usable outdoor space, often with an outdoor kitchen and some covered space. Haslemere and the surrounding areas sit on the edge of the South Downs National Park, so many of our projects seek to maximise interaction with this beautiful environment.
Is there a project you are most proud of?
All of our projects are gratifying and unique, but the Chislehurst House & Pool in Kent probably shows off most of our key design priorities. Here, a contemporary black zinc extension sits comfortably against the Tudor oak of the original house. The project involved an analysis of the undeveloped qualities and opportunities of the building, and resulted in the complete re-ordering of the existing ground floor to create a new kitchen/living/dining space, study, bootroom and pool, as well as linking previously isolated areas of the property to the main building.
Rather than have a complete open plan, Crittall glazing was used internally to visually connect spaces but also have the option of acoustic separation. This works particularly well with a family, where flexibility is a key requirement.
Some words of encouragement to the family who are hesitating to make that first call to an architect?
Renovating or building a new home can feel like a huge endeavour, but we have the understanding and experience to help you realise your home’s full potential by guiding you through the design and construction process in a professional and friendly manner. The majority of our work to date has come via previous clients recommending us to family and friends which is testament to our commitment to deliver your perfect home.
