At Western Building Consultants, we provide professional services in contemporary architecture that integrate creative vision with technical understanding to produce innovative and efficient design solutions.
This guide offers a comprehensive study of contemporary architecture that addresses key questions and ventures into design principles, style, trends, professional guidance, case studies, and client experiences. If you’re planning to build a house extension, a commercial building, or a renovation project, this guide will shed some light on what’s possible for you.
Modern architecture is a design style that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that emphasises simplicity, function, and direct application of materials. Modern architecture does not feature unnecessary ornamentation but instead utilises open space, copious natural lighting, and minimalist lines.
Notable architects of modern architecture were Le Corbusier, who pioneered open-plan structures with reinforced concrete. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a supporter of steel and glass structures with minimal shapes. Frank Lloyd Wright integrated architecture with nature using organic materials and horizontal lines.
We integrate these design principles into residential and commercial projects at Western Building Consultants. View real-world applications in our residential architecture portfolio.
For a more detailed understanding of modern architecture’s history and influence, extensive resources and case studies can be found at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Main features of modern architecture:
These contribute to functional buildings with open spaces and ample natural lighting. Discover more of our commercial architecture services.
For design inspiration and global examples of modern architecture, ArchDaily is a good point of reference both for professionals and hobbyists.
Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus school in Germany in 1919. It went on to become one of the most influential movements in modern design. Bauhaus philosophy focused on functionality and discarding dubious frills. Buildings in this movement frequently incorporated flat roofs,?smooth façades and cubic forms. A guiding principle was the merging of art, craft and technology – a notion which endures in contemporary architectural thought today.
The International Style was developed between the 1920s and 1930s. Its hallmark features – open-plan interiors, smooth and undecorated surfaces, girth more than mass – adopted modern construction techniques, especially the use of steel and reinforced concrete. Today, landmark buildings such as Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier and the Seagram Building by Mies van der Rohe define this style, emphasising that function precedes form.
This post-war style developed in the 1940s and persisted into the 1960s. It highlighted the merging of indoor and outdoor environments courtesy of large glass windows and sliding doors. Woods with warm tones, such as teak and walnut, were a mainstay. The Eames House in Los Angeles, by Charles and Ray Eames, embodies the smartness of efficient construction, modularity and minimal ornamentation – all defining tenets of the era.
Minimalism reduces modern architecture to its most basic form. It removes excess and reveals the essential ingredients of a place: light, volume and materials. Marked by influence from Japanese design, minimalism relies on white walls, open floor plans, and clean lines. Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion is a master class in how minimalism can still feel decadent if executed with intent and delicacy.
Functionality is at the forefront of modern architecture. Every design element is deliberate to create efficient and user-friendly spaces. Kitchens seamlessly transition into dining areas, and office areas provide space both to work together and to focus. Beyond aesthetics, modern architecture optimises daily living through enhanced space efficiency and comfort.
Visit our blog to see how architects create dream kitchens with some practical tips.
Architects increasingly design with passive heating and cooling, renewable energy sources, and green materials. The UK Government Planning Portal offers more information on sustainable practices.
It integrates natural elements like green walls, natural materials, and expansive exterior views to enhance well-being. Further details on our biophilic design can be accessed here.
New buildings have smart lighting, heating, and security systems that make energy more efficient and convenient. For more information on energy-smart technology, see Energy Saving Trust.
Net-Zero Buildings
The push to construct net-zero energy buildings is gathering momentum, reducing environmental footprints and energy bills. The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) offers industry information and case studies.
Adaptive Reuse
Existing buildings are being repurposed in new ways to minimise waste and preserve cultural heritage. Find out more on our conservation architecture page.
Modern architecture is defined by simplicity, functional spaces, large windows, and the use of materials like steel, glass, and concrete. Clean lines and neutral tones are typical.
Steel, glass, concrete, and timber are the most common. These materials allow for structural integrity and modern design.
Modern architecture refers to a historical design movement. Contemporary architecture refers to current trends, which can change over time.
It can be. Many modern buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, use recycled materials, and incorporate green technologies.
Timeframes vary. Small projects can take a few months, while large-scale developments can take years.
Open-plan designs create more space, allow for natural light, and improve the flow between rooms.
Costs depend on the size, complexity, and materials used. Sustainable features can add to the cost but save money over time.
Yes. Contrasting old structures with modern additions can result in stunning designs.
Yes. An architect ensures that the design is practical, beautiful, and meets all building regulations.
Planning permission depends on the scope of work and local regulations. Our team assists with applications.
Include smart technology, flexible spaces, and sustainable features.
These are buildings that generate as much energy as they consume, often using solar panels and advanced insulation.
Underestimating budgets and not planning for changing needs.
They specialise in technical design and construction details, ensuring plans are buildable and comply with regulations.
They enhance natural light, reduce energy use, and offer flexible living spaces.
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We worked on transforming Henrietta House into a boutique hotel. This Grade I listed property in Bath was carefully updated. Interiors were modernised while heritage features were restored. The end result is a welcoming hotel that honours its past. See the full case study here.
This Georgian terrace house in Bath was brought up to date with subtle design choices. Period features were preserved. Modern additions created open spaces filled with light. See the full project.
These projects gave new life to old farm buildings. Modern design principles were applied to preserve rustic character. Spaces were transformed into contemporary homes with unique appeal. View more details.
We support developers with large residential and mixed-use projects. Each scheme is designed for buildability, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. See examples.
Our team has completed a wide range of extensions and remodels. Each project focuses on making better use of space and improving day-to-day living. See recent projects.
We have delivered apartment blocks that meet modern urban demands. Good design, efficient layouts, and respect for local character are central to each project. See examples.
1) What changes have you seen in modern architecture over the past decade?
In the residential scene, whilst open plan has remained very popular, a shift towards having some defined formal space and utility function retained seems to have occurred. While that could be flexible space with the use of, say, pocket doors, there has definitely been more refinement in the clients’ quest for open-plan living.
2) How do you balance environmental goals with client budgets?
It’s a difficult question and often client-led. When people think of sustainability, they often think of the core materials and systems that make up a project. However, there are smart ways to incorporate sustainable items in the design without blowing the budget. For instance, the orientation and design of overhanging eaves, etc., can have a massive impact on the heat loss and gain in a property, and clever design can help impact the energy consumption without really costing anything. For us, the sustainable design of a project is about its performance, not just what materials are being utilised.
3) Can you describe a favourite recent project?
Yes, we recently helped a client build a mid-century modern-inspired extension with a celestial roof lift and large amounts of glazing. We acted as architects, party wall surveyors and structural engineers. The extension was in the green belt, and my client was told she wouldn’t get planning for it. Utilising permitted development, we were able to demonstrate to the planners in BANES council that the design was clearly less impactful and of higher quality than what could be achieved without planning.
4) What advice do you give first-time clients?
Lots! It can be quite overwhelming for first-time clients as there is a lot of technical info to take in. We help break down each stage of the project and provide guidance and detailed costing from the outset, so they understand the process they are entering.
5) Which trends will dominate the next ten years?
I think the residential market will still see a strong extension, and the loft conversion market will increase as the interest rates for mortgages settle. I predict that if inflation in the construction sector is corrected, this will allow the flow of larger, more speculative residential schemes to be unlocked.
6) How does technology influence your design process?
We use various bits of software across the business to aid the design process, and we are constantly looking at what the right tools for the job are. This involves a balance of design quality and efficiency to ensure the client gets good value. Construction technology is evolving all the time, and we need to stay on top of the trend to make sure our designs are at the cutting edge of technology to give the client even more value. As a company led by architectural technologists, we strive to include technological improvements wherever we can.
7) What common mistakes do homeowners make?
I think the most common mistake is to think that entering an extension project is like buying a product off the shelf. It’s simply not, for example, late decisions can have a massive knock-on effect for timing.
Understanding how the process works should be the homework for all clients looking to achieve a home renovation.
8) What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
It’s when everything’s complete and our client is super proud of what they have achieved. It can make such an improvement in their life, and often, they really want to show it off.
9) How can a well-designed space improve quality of life?
There are many ways in which design can improve our lives’s, for example, better natural lighting can have a positive impact on mood, a well designed efficient home can save money in your pocket and reduce financial burden, a well organised utility and kitchen make seemingly difficult chores easy and keep spaces clutter free giving you clarity of thought. But entertaining is the big one. Being able to enjoy your garden and living spaces as a family with quality in-out styled extensions can massively improve the way you enjoy your property.
10) What advice would you give someone planning a large-scale residential or commercial project?
Planning, planning, planning! The more you have thought about your goals, the better the design brief you can give your architect. At WBC, we use a three-list process of must-haves, nice to haves and don’t wants. These lists can be populated with broad ideas such as better natural light, a high specification clean finish or very specific, like we want a king-size bed to fit or even specific overarching goals like budget or ROI. Often, when we do this, we start to think about a schedule of rooms or spaces that are desirable and then what functions and overall goals the client has for the project.
A well-thought-out brief is essential for achieving your client’s goals and will minimise the number of failed design responses from your architect.
Modern architecture is all about clever, flexible, and elegant design. We at Western Building Consultants bring ideas to life with effective functional space. Explore our services, browse our blog for insights, or contact us to discuss your project.
