While traditional buildings often feature spectacular frameworks, updating them with contemporary features can beautifully accentuate the appearance, and these wonderfully renovated structures are showcasing some stunning examples of modernly revamped buildings.
Building a home or structure from the ground up is definitely a great way to customize every little detail of the building, but by utilizing the foundation or framework of an old or traditional structure, you can serve to add a lot more charm and originality to the look. From simple churches that have been renovated into spectacular contemporary structures to refurbished hut homes, these creatively renovated structures are demonstrating that a little imagination and modern design can go a long way.
A great way to combine traditional charm with modern features, these renovated structures will surely entice any architectural enthusiast with a passion for beautifully refurbished abodes.
80 Spectacularly Renovated Structures
From Revamped Seaside Villas to Refurbished Church Manors:
Tana Makmanee — Oct 9, 2013 — Art & Design
77
Fully Functional Garage Homes
The Michelle De La Vega 'Mini Home' Makes Use of Unusual Space
76
Sleek Suburban Home Makeovers
Bruns Architecture Turned a Tiny Rancher into an Immaculate Home
75
Sleek Fast Food Redesigns
McDonald's Drive-In Restaurant in Maribor, Slovenia Gets Makeover
74
Cozy Hardcore Homes
The Brian Messana Tank House Has a Surprisingly Delicate Interior
73
Garage-Style Residences
Maracana House Features Exposed Concrete Bricks and Chain-Link Railings
72
Futuristic City Makeovers
The Future of Architecture Project Explores Holistic Urban Concepts
71
Converted Barn Abodes
Sitio da Leziria was Once a Stable and Cleverly Retains a Similar Program
70
Unorthodox Urban Condos
The Kariouk Associates 'Redeveloper Apartment' is Space-Efficient
69
Renovated Industrial Spaces
This Zecc Architects Factory Loft is a Phenomenal Transformation
68
Winsome Warehouse Interiors
The Appartmento AL Takes Industrial Chic to the Minimalist Extreme
67
Classic Church-Like Bars
The Duvelorium Cafe Incorporates Traditional Architecture Elements
66
Revamped Religious Interiors
The Bonney Avenue Residence is a Drastic Reno of an 1867 Church
65
Odd Architectural Makeovers
Jaroslaw Komuda Makes Mundane Buildings Marvelous
64
Converted Church Homes
Religious Renovations
63
Bipolar Retro-Modern Homes
The Alvarado House is Conservative Up Front But Modern At the Back
62
Restored 300-Year-Old Homes
Le Marche Villa by Wespi de Meuron Architekten Makes Living to Die for
61
Cavernous Luxury Resorts
The Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel is Built into 5th Century Grottos
60
Water Tower Living Spaces
The Chateau D'eau is Both Modern and Artistic
59
Converted Correctional Hotels
Jailhouse Accommodation Houses Itinerants Rather Than Internees
58
Contemporary Foldable Farmhouses
The Cultural Centre Léonce-Georges Fuses Modernity and Tradi
57
Refurbished Olympic Buildings
Beijing's Water Cube is Now Asia's Largest Indoor Water Park
56
Chic Victorian Gothic Abodes
The 'Tin Chapel' is an Old Church Transformed Into a Stylish Home
55
Hollow Cloud Architecture
The OostCampus Building Asserts to Citizens that the Sky is the Limit
54
Elegant Renovated Farmhouses
This Dual-Space Design is Functional and Easy on the Eyes
53
Revamped Round Structures
The Vesu Restaurant in California was Once a Piano Store
52
Barrel-Inspired Hotel Bars
The Prahran Melbourne Hotel Takes Inspiration From Liquor Barrels
51
Converted Religious Loft Residences
The Westbourne Grove Church by DOS Architects is Open and Airy
50
Fortress-Bound Residences
Tom Dixon’s ‘Tower House’ is a Converted Home
49
Braille-Wrapped Buildings
The Placebo Pharmacy by KLab Caters to All Health Needs
48
Refurbished Hut Homes
The Shed by Richard Peters Associates is a Modern Hideaway
47
Refurbished Reservoir Abodes
This Renovated Water Tower is a Beach-Dwellers Dream
46
Refurbished Factory Offices
New Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters Earns LEEDs Gold
45
Arching Stone Apartments
The Jaffa Flat by Pitsou Kedem Combines Old-World and Modernity
44
Adaptable Container Abodes
James Green's Eco-Pak House is Modular & Sustainable
43
Iconic Museum Makeovers
Plans Revealed for Upgrade of London's Tate Modern
42
Sleek Space-Age Dwellings
The Cocoon Suites at Andronikos Hotel are Future-Friendly
41
Retro Home Restorations
The Nano Architects Have Created Stylishly Restored Sixties Architecture
40
Converted Church Bookstores
The Boekhandel Seleyz Dominicanen is a Dazzling Literature Display
39
Exotic Spanish-Inspired Homes
2260mm Architects Modernize Classic Spanish Architecture
38
Converted Playpen Containers
This Shipping Container Conversion by Jikerzhicheng is Portable
37
Compact Caravan Nightclubs
The Black Box Revelation by Re-Make/Re-Model Offers a Unique Experience
36
Contemporary Rustic Farms
The Ochre Barn by Carl Turner Architects Balances Between Old and New
35
Mansion Hotel Makeovers
The Casa Gangotena Gets a $10 Million Facelift
34
Concrete Pipe Accommodations
The Prahan Hotel by Techné Architects is Luxuriously Industrial
33
Converted Bridge Vacation Homes
The Solar Highway Residences is Built On an Old Viaduct
32
Modern Refurbished Prisons
Exit Architects Repurpose the Palencia Civic Center
31
Melting Pot Abodes
This Apartment on Paulista Avenue is a Mix of Style by Jose Armenio
30
Latticed Lumber Bistros
The Niseko Look Out Cafe Provides a Compelling View Inside
29
Luxuriously Refurbished Theatres
The Cineteca Cinema Center Brings Culture to Matadero, Madrid
28
Revamped Farmhouse Designs
A2BC's Farmhouse Architecture Mixes Modern Style with Rustic Living
27
Colossal Cinema-Converted Bookstores
The Grand Splendid Theater Offers a Dramatic Surprise
26
Contemporary Sci-Fi Churches
The Chapel at Discovery Bay by Danny Cheng is Futuristic
25
Revamped Shopping Centers
The Gerngross! is Revamped by LOVE Architecture & Urbanism
24
Curvy Contemporary Cathedrals
The San Josemaria Escriva Church Brings New Shape to Church Design
23
Artist Apartment Makeovers
Former Keith Haring Apartment Becomes Artist-Inspired Project
22
Converted Library Abodes
The Elena Garro Cultural Center Boasts An Inventive Remodel Concept
21
Modernized Rustic Residences
The Cowshed House by Carterwilliamson Architects is Full of History
20
Eco Skyscraper Makeovers
Sears Tower Gets Greener
19
Converted Cathedral Homes
The Hudson St by Bagnato Architects is a Repurposed 1892 Anglican Church
18
Chic Renovated Historic Homes
The Historic Canal House Has a Contemporary Interior Decor
17
Refurbished Farmville Workspaces
The Barn Workspace is a Taste of City Life in the Countryside
16
Machine Shop-Converted Offices
Halle A by Designliga Boasts a Golden Indoor House
15
Rusty Club Refurbishing
Bar Guru Bar Gets a Bronze Revival by KLab Architecture
14
White House Makeovers
Redux Competition Imagines Next-Gen Presidential Eco-Abodes
13
Modern Factory Makeovers
The Revamped Red Diamond Dance Centre and Theatre
12
Renovated Greenhouse Abodes
These Ex-Greenhouses Make the Perfect Sun-Filled Living Spaces
11
Renovated Holy Houses
Zecc Architects Makes Old Church a Home With a Few Altarations
10
Grand Sustainable Resorts
The ITC Royal Gardenia is the World's Greenest Hotel for Its Size
9
Homely House Makeovers
Keith and Mary Campbell Turn Their Michigan Home Into a Retro Paradise
8
Revamped Seaside Villas
House N by Maxwan Brings a Structure into the 21st Century with Style
7
Kaleidoscopic Church Designs
The Gethsemane Lutheran Church Has a New Vibrant Look
6
Refurbished Church Manors
God's Loft by LKSVDD Architects Boasts Cheeky Religious References
5
16th-Century Ruin Lodges
The Alemanys 5 House Modernizes History for 21st-Century Guests
4
Pedestrian-Friendly City Renovations
Stockholm's Urban Makeover
3
Radiating Museum Redesigns
Rojkind Arquitectos Puts a Fresh Face on Mexico's National Archives
2
Revamped City Bus Stops
The Big Blue Bus Project Will Rebrand the City of Santa Monica
1
Reclaimed Luxury Eateries
La Ville de Pins by BANG by MIN Turns Disheveled into Exclusive
Related Ideas
Corrugated Cabin Prefab Models
Zinc Studio Unveiled a Prefabricated Building 'The Cabin'
Historic Luxury Home Interiors
Marianne Tiegen Interiors Transforms a Hotel in the Swiss Alps
Eclectic Coastal Homes
YSG Byron Bay Holiday House Reimagines an Existing Seaside Residence
Shipping Container Villas
Backcountry Containers' Vermont Villa Has Modular a Sauna & Rooftop Deck
Modest Row House Projects
ALEXANDRE BERNIER ARCHITECTE Completes the ShoeBox CHB in Montreal
Cob Building Revivals
CobBauge HouseBlends Ancient Techniques with Modern Standards
Historically Inspired Modern Homes
MU Architecture Balances Historic Charm & Modern Sensibilities
Hillside Mid-Century Renos
Pasadena Hillside Home is Updated with Daylight-Focused Volumes
Barn Home Transformation
From a Forgotten Barn to a Peaceful Country Home
Modernist Timeless Villas
STUDIOTAMAT Complete the Renovation of a 1960s-Era Residence
Seaside Home Renovation
The Newly Updated Casa De Praia Shapes a Warm Coastal Interior
Shape‑shifting Retreats
This Modular Off‑Grid House Adapts to Natural Sites with Expandable Walls
Refurbished Multi-Story Buildings
Squire & Partners Completed a Sensitive Refurbishment
Artist Studio Conversions
Schack Arkitektur converts a Danish barn to a studio for Michael Kvium
Thoughtful Residential Architecture Projects
Hacienda Wabi by RA! is Situated in Tulum's Jungles
Castle-Inspired Homes
This Hollywood Hills House Channels Medieval Castles with a Modern Aesthetic
Family Cottage Revitalizations
Le Local Design Creates the Maison Du Ruisseau
Preserved Modern Residences
Bellaire House Has Been Saved Through a Private Preservation Purchase
Coastal Timber Retreats
The Casa Guaecá Project Reinterprets Beach House Living Through Structure
Organic Lake Retreats
Usonian-Inspired Lake House Embraces Modest Scale and Deep Connection
Rest-Focused Golf Structures
Dubbeldam Architecture + Design Develops the Golf Pavilion
Barn-Form Family Homes
The Twisted House by Andy Martin Merges Barn Form and Landscape
Modern Danish Restoration
The Vejrhøj House is Revivef from a 1967 Coastal Landmark
Converted Industrial Homes
A 1960s Warehouse Transforms into a Residence Honoring Its Raw Design
Rerfeshed Historic Workspaces
Daytrip’s Cloisters Interiors Boasts Modern Furniture Design
Adaptive Family Residences
A 1920s London Home is Transformed into No Ordinary House
Modernist Home Renovations
The Bauhaus Budapest Apartment Receives a Contemporary Refresh
Tropical House Renovations
Villa Brisana is a Puerto Rico Home Renovated by Paul Raff Studio
Textured Flat Renovations
The La Casita Introduces a Material Focused Redesign with Visible Craft
Tranquil Courtyard Homes
The Sanctum House by Renesa Creates a Calm Interior World Using Geometry
Contemporary Home Renovation Projects
Ofisvesaire Completes the Renovation of the S House
Bright Residential Renovations
The Plaka House in Athens Reconfigures a Century-Old Building
Compact Sustainable Homes
Quadrapol Introduces the Cabana as a Tiny Dwelling That Rethinks Space
Neighborhood House Renovations
Casa Cruda Brings a Transformation to a Cartagena Neighborhood Home
Timber Monastery Campuses
Plum Village Buddhist Monastery Forms a Low Rise Religious Complex
Industrial Café Interiors
Blue Bottle Coffee West Bund Adds a Timber Frame to an Industrial Shell
Flatpack Courtyard Houses
Miltiadou Cook Mitzman and Musson Brown Architects Design Modular Home
Renovated Parisian Flats
Hauvette & Madani Architecture Uses Nature as a Frame in Paris Apartment
Renewed Heritage Estates
The Kilmory House by Jillian Dinkel Updates an Estate for Modern Living
Thatched Residential Villas
Sarchina Villa is Supported by Inverted Brick Cones & Thatched Roof
Coastal Timber Homes
The Cornwall Retreat Brings a Quiet, Landscape-Driven Residential Design
Modern Dark Tonal Homes
Texas Residence Highlights Moody Tones in a Refined Mid-Century Design
Historic District Hotels
Blue Architecture Studio Converts a Yangzhou District into a Hotel
Reimagined Bright Italian Interiors
Italian Embassy London Renovation Highlights a Curated Design
Timber Courtyard Houses
Light House by Woonpioniers Reworks Dutch Home with Central Light Void
Reimagined Edwardian Homes
Gunter and Co Redesign a London Residence with a Light Filled Interior
Timber Screen Ventilated Homes
House in Corjeum Field by Atelier Roots Home Within Rural Context
Hotel-Inspired Renovations
Studio &Space Transforms Amsterdam Zuid Home with Custom Finishes
Vernacular Cocoon Cabins
Cucu Cabin by Studio Bucky Draws on Irish Tower Houses and Thatch Design
Coastal Home Renovations
La Jolla Beachside Project Reworks a 1950s Home Under Coastal Rules
House Renovation Projects
Medium Renovates Hearth House in London with Subtle Modern Updates
Traditional Stone Farmhouse Extensions
Studio Bressan Restores an Italian Farmhouse in Treviso
Contemporary Garden Pavilions
This Garden Pavilion Reframes a 1990s Home with Calm, Modern Living
Garden-Connected Homes
The Waverley House Transforms a 1950s Bungalow with Verdant Integration
Fireplace-Centered Retro Bungalows
Bungalow Sint-Martens-Latem is Renovated by Decancq Vercruysse
Rural Charred Modern Residences
The Stanfordville House Bridges Vernacular Farming Cues
Sustainable Family Homes
Twin Pitches Extends an Edwardian House with Bright & Efficient Design
Modern Heritage Homes
Denton Reserve Renovation Highlights Circular Craft and Adaptive Design
Red Steel Forest Houses
Villa Jevany by Architektura Embeds a Bold Structure into Hillside Terrain
Japanese-Inspired Recycled Pavilions
Second Edition's Love Shack is Made of Recycled Materials
Modernized 1960s Villas
The Castelli Romani Reno Introduces Clean Design in Historic Structure
Minimalist Semi-Detached Victorian Residences
Mitchell Sweibel Studio Designs a Stunning Home
Modern Embassy Conversions
The Rosewood Chancery Hotel Reimagines London’s Former US Embassy
Sleek Garden-Edge Renovations
The Waverley House is Reimagined by Sam Crawford Architects
Minimalist Townhouse Renos
Townhouse VI in Kortrijk is updated by Decancq Vercruysse for Modernity
Timber-Framed Coastal Homes
This Timber Residence in Goa Pioneers Sustainable Luxury Living
Historic Home Renovations
Melbourne Federation Home is Transformed with Contemporary Extension
Renovated Multi-Gen Homes
The N°7 Bretscha House Adapts a 1960s Residence for Three Generations
Restored Highland Landmarks
Simpson & Brown Revive Fairburn Tower with Heritage-Led Precision
Plant-Filled Home Renovations
Casa C Renovation by Max Von Werz Architects Updates a Historic Home
Cross Cultural Duplexes
Clinton Hill Duplex Blends Shanghai Craft with Brooklyn Architecture
Coastal Mid-Century Residences
The House in Anglesea Preserves and Updates a 1950s Beach Home
Barn Restaurant Conversions
Office Inainn Barn Conversion Transforms Heritage to Layered Dining
Adaptive Corner Houses
Ian Moore Architects’ Corner House converts a former shop into a residence
Mid-Century Flat Revamps
This Warsaw Apartment Renovation Highlights Veneer and Tile
Community Timber Pavilions
Exeter Road Pavilion Provides a Sheltered Form on Former School Site
Nostalgic Family Homes
Apartamento Relicário Celebrates Memory, Legacy, and Aging with Dignity
Bright Urban Apartments
Ooiio Architecture’s House 64 Renovation Transforms a 1960 Flat
Preserved Family Homes
Nang House Accommodates Three Generations Within a Layered Structure
Historic Roof Conversions
Brick to Light Renovates a Former Barracks House in Münster
Rustic Coastal Retreats
A Finca Style Coastal Hideaway Blending Heritage with Modern Warmth
Lakeside Modular Homes
Jurumirim House Connects Pavilions with Shade and Openness in Rural Brazil
Civic Theatre Renovations
The Court Theatre Anchors Community and Craft Through Architecture
Adaptive Family Homes
Carlton Cottage Extension Rethinks Terrace Living for Flexibility
Modernist Modern Retreats
General Assembly revives 1960s Hamptons villa with coastal modernism
Barn-To-Retreat Transformations
The Amassa Retreat Reimagines a Rustic Hamlet as a Yoga Sanctuary
Barn Home Transformations
The Bulls Barn House Blends Rustic Form and Modern Living
Rural Stone Farm Conversions
Betyle Studio Historic Farm Building Renovation Updates for Modernity
Industrial Landmark Stadiums
The Powerhouse Stadium Blends Heritage with Contemporary Engineering
Courtyard Connection Designs
StudioAC Designs Pale Cedar Duplex for Multi-Generational Living
Tranquil A‑Frame Retreats
This Steel‑glass A‑frame Home Design Showcases a Stunning Treehouse Deck
Brutalist Hotel Transformation
Fairmont Golden Prague Alters a 70s Space into a Holistic Hotel
Sustainable Heritage Evoked Hotels
The Pilgrm Hotel in London Features Victorian Elements
Former Embassy Showrooms
Temp Project Renovates a Former Embassy Building into Retail Interior
Farmhouse Renovation Projects
The Inverted Farm by Bard Yersin Architectes Was a Swiss Farmhouse
Adaptive Bunker Housing
The SAR Residence by OAD Converts Military Bunkers into a Coastal Home
Modern Heritage Landmarks
The Norwich Sports Village by Heinz Isler Earns Grade II Listing
Minimalist London Homes
The Harp and Harp Renovates 158 Purley Downs Road in London
Revived Stone Sheds
A Compact Stone Cabin Gains Quiet Charm in a Modern Micro-Home Renovation
Converted Church Art Centers
Nyth Turns a Victorian Church into a Creative Space for Young People
Artful Home Renovations
Rude Haus Updates the Clover House with Upcycled and Vintage Elements
Historic Farmhouse Revivals
Jobe Burns Revives a 300 Year Old Farmhouse Using Traditional Methods
Modern Tuscan Chapel Homes
The Pailunga Tuscan Chapel Transforms into a Contemporary Living Space
Restored Urban Homes
The West 84th Street Brownstone Conceals a 32-Foot Great Room
Coastal-Inspired Home Interiors
Casa Puerto Blends Modern Architecture with Mediterranean Hues
Historic Villa Renovations
This Villa Renovation by Wierciński Studio Restores a Polish Residence
Unconventional Triangular Barnhouses
A Dutch Barnhouse is Organised Around an Open Layout
Sustainable Country Homes
The Three Oaks Farm Redefines Low-Impact Living in Sussex Countryside
Rural Farm Revival
Delfyd Farm Reworks a Coastal Farmhouse with Modern Extensions
Contemporary Home Extensions
Bureau De Change Transforms a Victorian House in Fulham
Thatched Roof Wildlife Retreats
Ma+rs Serenity Retreat Anchors Hillside Residence in New Zealand
Brutalist Hotel Expansions
Hotel Sevilla by Zeller & Moye Pairs Concrete Design & a Historic Villa
Building-Nestled Compact Cafes
A Triangular Prism Chapel Cafe Creates Calm in Bucharest
Renovated Historic Homes
Felt transforms the Daniel Bungalow with a playful, contemporary interior
Strategically Proportioned Residential Buildings
ACDF Architecture Completes a Gatineau Project
Bold Architectural Renovations
Flat Iron House Showcases a Sculptural Staircase as Its Centrepiece
Transformed Rural Timber Barns
The Fienile N Restores Rural Heritage with Wood Craftsmanship
Refined Modern Dwellings
The Silver House Reinterprets a Traditional Home with Minimalist Design
Rural Shed Conversions
Bindloss Dawes’ Tractor Shed Conversion Repurposes an Agricultural Building
Renewed Kyoto Townhouses
Studio Aluc Transforms a Historic Kyoto Townhouse into Modern Lodging
High-Rise Design Renos
The Watergate Pied-à-Terre Renovation Boasts Mid-Century Curves
Stone Cottage Renos
The Hameart Project Brings Warmth and Contrast to a Renovated Highland Home
Concrete Modern Extensions
The T House Extension Enhances Flow in a Reimagined London Home
Concrete House Renos
Mar Vista House is a Residence Redesigned by PPAA Using Sculptural Concrete
Goan Heritage Homes
A 160-year-old Goan residence is reimagined as Toybox through adaptive design
Layered Domestic Designs
New Operations Workshop Renovates a 1940s Bungalow in Silver Lake
Minimal Cork Residences
Atelier Local House in Valongo Rethinks Heritage and Simplicity
Slender Alley Dwelling Revivals
The Brown House Uses Ecological Materials to Redefine Urban Infill
Adaptive Reuse Landmarks
Wyatt Builds Revives a 1900s Building with Modern Architectural Flair
Vibrant Tropical Guesthouses
The Bi Design House Guesthouse Blends Local Design with Modernity
Rural Guesthouse Renovation
The Catcher Guesthouse Adapts Existing Village Houses near Shanghai
Understated Notting Hill Renovations
Knox Bhavan Completes a Notting Hill Residence Refurbishment
Compact Cottage Revivals
This Rustic Renovation Breathes New Life into a Tiny Village Structure
Weatherized Minimal Modern Homes
Splinter Society’s Coastal House Settles into Ocean Grove Site
Victorian Home Modular Extensions
The Meadow Road Extension Redesigns a Villa with Sustainability
Compact Stone Conversions
Figuier House by Bétyle Studio Alters a Former Agricultural Outbuilding
Thatched Modern Guesthouses
The Hata-Mazanka Guesthouses Reinterpret Ukrainian Vernacular Forms
Forest Cottage Renewals
Borová Lada Cottage is Renovated by Studio Plyš in the Czech Countryside
Wales Farmhouse Renovations
Rural Office Restores and Extends the Delfyd Farmhouse
Valley-Sited Home Extensions
Päivä Architekti Adds a Timber Extension to a Family Home