Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

We have recently been working on a substantial multi-generational family home, a replacement dwelling designed to bring together different generations under one roof, while responding carefully to its setting. Projects of this nature are always rewarding as they are about legacy, longevity and creating a place that will evolve with the family over time.

While this home represents one end of the scale, our work extends across a wide and varied portfolio. We regularly design thoughtful extensions that transform how existing homes are lived in, one-off houses shaped around individual lifestyles, small and larger developer housing schemes, as well as agricultural and small-scale commercial buildings rooted in the rural landscape.

Each project, regardless of size, begins in the same way: with an understanding of how it will be used and how it should feel. A modest extension can redefine daily life just as profoundly as a new-build home. A carefully planned housing scheme can shape a neighbourhood. An agricultural building can support the long-term sustainability of a working landscape. The scale may differ, but the impact on those who use the building is always significant.

Our role is to bring clarity and coordination to that ambition, balancing design, planning and technical considerations to ensure that what is envisioned can be delivered. Moving comfortably between private homes, developer projects and rural commissions gives us a broad perspective and a practical understanding of how buildings are realised in different contexts.

Ultimately, good design is not about size; it is about purpose. Whether creating a multi-generational home designed to stand for decades and adapt around growing family, or refining a smaller project that enhances everyday living, we approach each commission with the same care, attention and commitment to delivering spaces that truly work for the people who inhabit them.

All posts

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Seaside Sensation

What does the new Part O of the Building Regulations mean for a new home?

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Small Housing Schemes

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Affordable Housing Success

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

The Experts

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Property Development Forum

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Appeal Success Near St Ives

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Regen Planning Conference

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Building for Growth

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Should I use an Architect?

St Piran’s Day 2026 – Celebrating Cornwall’s Heritage

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Penzance Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Property Development Forum

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Graphisoft UK Awards 2024 – Small Project Of The Year: Under £5 Million

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

How to Find a Building Plot

Class Q Planning Permission

How to Finance a Self-Build

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Building for Growth

Grand Designs

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Waterside Lookout

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Planning Success in Tintagel

CESW Summit 2026

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Celebrating 17 Years of Dedication: James Vivian, Associate Chartered Architectural Technologist

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Natural Light

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Why Do a Self Build?

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

National Planning Policy Framework