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Modern building design
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Many of us use the terms “renovation” and “restoration” interchangeably, as both types of projects are common in historical preservation. However, although both focus on preserving historic buildings, the way in which each accomplishes this is different.
Restoration projects focus on returning a building to its original function and appearance. This makes the building safe for regular use while retaining its unique character and features. With such projects, the original structure is kept the same as much as possible. Since this usually eliminates the need for any major construction, restoration projects tend to use less resources and materials, thus making them more environmentally friendly than full remodels. A few common examples of restoration projects are repairing holes in the wall or removing old carpet.
Renovation projects, however, are more extensive than restoration projects, and involve renewing a structure by adding new components as well as fixing what already exists. With these projects, professionals work with the structure’s original look and appearance, but they change the surface materials and other details to modernize the building. For instance, renovation projects may include adding new appliances to a kitchen or replacing windows so they are more energy-efficient.
