In Cornwall, the story of your home is often written into the very fabric of the building, whether it’s a stone cottage perched on the North Coast or a granite farmhouse nestled in the countryside.
Renovating your space is a chance to reimagine your home and create something that is uniquely yours. However, the path to unlocking this transformation isn’t always smooth. At Marraum, our experienced team of renovation architects have seen it all across Cornwall, from hidden water damage behind lime-rendered walls to the dance of planning regulations in conservation areas.
But what are the most common hurdles, and how do we help you prepare to face them?
The challenge: Ahead of a renovation project, it can be tricky to predict all potential disruptions: you don’t know what you don’t know. Hidden damp, decayed joists, or outdated electrics are often only revealed once work begins, and these discoveries can delay progress, increase costs and shift priorities.
Solution: At Marraum, we carry out detailed pre-renovation assessments to identify potential red flags. We bring clarity to every project, using our depth of architectural knowledge to give you a comprehensive roadmap of what’s ahead.
The challenge: A common tension in any renovation is the gap between your ideal design, and what’s financially feasible. Add in contingency costs and shifting material prices, and the numbers can begin to feel uncertain.
Solution: We work closely with you to set a realistic budget and design framework. It’s not about compromising, it’s about prioritising what matters most. From phasing a project to suggesting different material options, we shape design around your goals and your spend.
Our team of renovation architects deliver elegant solutions for any home, from home working and entertaining requirements for our Corner Stone project to larger conversions like The Piggery.
The challenge: Every renovation has to engage with planning rules, building regulations or conservation considerations. And those rules often shift depending on your location or building type.
Solution: We manage this process on your behalf, whether that’s submitting planning applications, consulting with Cornwall Council or handling listed building consent. We know the local landscape and how to work with it: find out more information on the planning application process in Cornwall.
The challenge: Many homes hold character that you want to preserve, but how do you combine that with a modern lifestyle or aesthetic? Clashes in materials, layout or flow can make the design feel disjointed.
Solution: We believe a renovation should honour the past while embracing the future. Our designs take cues from the existing structure, while using clever interventions to enhance light, movement and connection.
Our project near the Helford is a clear example of this, bringing contemporary living to a historic farmhouse. We improved the connection and flow to allow the spaces to be used flexibly when the couple had family and friends to stay.
The challenge: Staying in your home during renovation work might seem like the most economical option, but the reality can be disruptive. Loud noise, mess and restricted access can all hinder your normal routine.
Solution: We help you weigh the pros and cons of staying on-site versus relocating temporarily. Our designs factor in phasing, and our leading VR capabilities let you visualise the project, and plan your life around it.
Learn more about how we are leading the way with Virtual reality architecture in Cornwall, to bring your space to life before a single wall is touched.
No two homes, or homeowners, are the same. That’s why every renovation project we work on begins with a simple question: what’s your story?
From early conversations through to 3D design and planning, we work as your partner: guiding, problem-solving, and translating vision into structure. Challenges are inevitable. But they don’t have to be roadblocks.
If you’re thinking about renovating, we’d love to hear your story and help shape what comes next. Get in touch with our team today or check out our previous projects for inspiration.