We were delighted to see Suffolk reach the big (home) screen recently as Netflix added new Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan flick, ‘The Dig’ to its programming. Set in Sutton Hoo in 1939, the excavation of that area was one of the most significant archeological digs of the last century. Compared to the excavation of the Tomb of Tutankamun in its importance, the discovery was a source of pride and inspiration for a country on the brink of war. If you, like many, have already had the chance to watch this piece of history, you may have seen many recognisable Suffolk landscapes, including the town of Aldeburgh and the small hamlet Shingle Street. But what makes Suffolk, its landscapes and its architecture individual to other counties?
Suffolk architecture has a very distinct and unique style, stemming from the 18th Century and the lack of materials available locally to builders and developers of the time. This resulted in dwellings which tended to be narrow and long rather than square, with steeply pitched roofs built well beyond walls to protect them from the rain and harsh weather. Perhaps you live in a house like that yourself? Most houses would have been thatched and built upon a brick plinth to raise the structure up from the ground. Suffolk is proud of its architecture and intends to keep new builds in line with these traditional styles. This isn’t to say modern looking buildings are forbidden, but instead that they need to compliment, respect and even enhance the unique qualities of the area. This is something our customers are often all too aware of when they’re looking to extend their house or make improvements to their windows and doors.
Colour is also a big consideration when choosing modern materials like uPVC windows or composite doors. Suffolk developed a reputation for beautifully colourful buildings, like the famous Suffolk Pink, a colour achieved – astoundingly – by mixing lime whitewash with pigs’ blood. Thankfully we have more modern methods now and a wide range of colours can be matched to either complement or contrast your existing building, depending on your wishes.
pictured: a Suffolk pink house with sash windows
Suffolk Windows and Doors that Bridge Old and New
We are no longer constrained to a limited range of materials in Suffolk, and therefore have much more freedom when it comes to improving and changing elements of property such as doors and windows. However, it is important that these improvements are in keeping with the traditional feel of Suffolk architecture. We are able to combine modern doors and windows with traditional detailing, like glasswork or etching, to bridge the gap between old and new and to keep in with the Suffolk windows and doors style. Added detailing alongside our expertise and knowledge of Suffolk landscape makes us perfect collaborators to your new project.
For more information about Suffolk styles and planning permission take a look at this document from Suffolk County Council: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/planning-waste-and-environment/planning-and-development-advice/Suffolk-Design-Guide-Individual-Dwellings-Design-Principles.pdf and get in touch with us to discuss what we can do to make your vision reality.