DESIGN MATTERS CONSERVATION, MODERNISATION & ADAPTATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS The buildings we live, work and play in are much more than a collection of masonry, metal and glass. They are symbols which reflect our past and point us towards the future. Our built environment is shaped by our country’s culture, economy and society. Today, over 99% of the population of England1 lives within a mile of a listed building, structure or setting. Local heritage brings value, not just in terms of tourism, 1 but by shaping our views of where we live, forming our communal identity and giving us a sense of place.
But without the right care and attention, too many of our historic buildings 2 face an uncertain future. Architects accredited in conservation have an essential role to play in safeguarding our built heritage by using their expertise to extend its life and enhance its value. The sustainability of existing buildings is vital to their ongoing use and maintenance. It is essential that both owners and architects (or professional 3 4 experts) are sufficiently informed in their understanding of how these buildings function and how they should be maintained, repaired and 5 enhanced for future viability, especially in light of the climate crisis and 6 7 current demands.
Our historic environment is one of the UK’s most valuable assets and its 8 legacy is cherished and valued from generation to generation. This report 9 showcases the contribution of architects to the evolution of our built 10 environment: safeguarding heritage and securing its future. 11
13 14 Ben Derbyshire, RIBA President 12 15 Fiona Raley, Chair of the RIBA Conservation Group 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29
30 31
1Historic England (Heritage and Society 2016) 2 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 3 More than one in five buildings in the UK pre-date 1919.2 40% of RIBA YORKSHIRE construction activity relates to the maintenance, renovation or restoration 2018 RIBA National Award, 2018 RIBA Yorkshire Award, 3 2018 RIBA Yorkshire Building of the Year Award, 2018 RIBA of existing buildings. From breathing new life into neglected post-war Yorkshire Conservation Award, 2018 RIBA Yorkshire Project Architect of the Year Award, 2018 International Lighting housing schemes to revitalising cultural buildings, a skilled architect can Design Awards, 2018 Community and Public Realm Project of the Year, 2018 RICS Yorkshire & Humber Award for help transform a building from a liability into an asset for the future. Best Project Overall, 2018 RICS Yorkshire & Humber Award for Regeneration, 2018 Halifax Civic Trust Award, The RIBA believes that architects have a primary role in identifying the 2017 Heritage Angel Award for Best UK Project Overall potential challenges and opportunities of historic buildings, areas and places including managing change in a sustainable manner. Architects find design solutions – including the repair, maintenance, adaptation and Interior image: © LDN Architects exterior LLP, image: © Paul White re-use of historic buildings and places – that sustain and promote their significance. There are many ways in which the Government can support and strengthen the protection of the historic environment for the future, including: 1 Encouraging the use of accredited conservation professionals as advisers and practitioners through procurement requirements on publicly funded heritage projects been carefully reviewed and repaired or replaced 2 Maintaining proper collaboration at central and local levels with The Piece Hall and with appropriate restoration skills. But it is in the international heritage organisations such as UNESCO, Europa Nostra Calderdale Central Library transformation of this building that the ambition of and ICOMOS. the design team and clients truly stands out. and Archives Previously the spaces were unheated, and the 3 Investing in developing and promoting the accreditation of architects scheme included new infrastructure and building Location services to deliver high-quality commercial space with specialist knowledge, alongside widening access to the profession 5 Blackledge, Halifax for new businesses operating in shops and cafés. through the expansion of apprenticeships. Architect A new entrance creates permeability from town LDN Architects LLP to the railway station. The new Central Library and 4 Ensuring that local authorities have the skills and capacity to properly Client/Developer Archive is a modern facility and a bold addition, beaming with civic pride. understand, manage and enhance the value of their historic buildings. Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Sector Cultural Listing Grade I Lead architect Mark Hopton
The Piece Hall is a grade I listed Cloth Hall, dating from 1779, located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. It had been in decline for a number of years until Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council promoted it as a 2English Housing Survey (Housing Stock Report, 2014-15) 3Government Construction Strategy https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ cultural, creative and community focus for the attachment_data/file/61152/Government-Construction-Strategy_0.pdf region. As a conservation project, every stone has
4 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 5 RIBA YORKSHIRE RIBA YORKSHIRE
RIBA Yorkshire Award and 2016 RIBA National Award, 2016 RIBA Yorkshire Award, RIBA Yorkshire Client of the Year 2017 2016 RIBA Conservation Award, 2016 EAA Ambassador Award, 2016 York Design Awards Lord Mayor’s Prize Images: ©Giles Rocholl Images: © Hufton+Crow
York Theatre Royal
Location 3 St Leonard’s Pl, York exhibition hall was divided with a suspended ceiling Architect York Art Gallery in the 1950s. For over 60 years the roof space – De Matos Ryan with its decorative trusses, large roof lights and Client/Developer Location ornate plasterwork – was concealed from public York Citizens Theatre Trust and 4 Exhibition Square, York view and used only for mechanical services. It has York Conservation Trust Architect been a long-held ambition of the York Museum Sector Simpson & Brown Architects Trust to reconfigure the gallery and reveal this Cultural Client/Developer secret roof space to the public once again. In 2010 complete refurbishment of the auditorium and all York Museums Trust a Joint Venture collaboration of Ushida Findlay Listing associated areas, including the provisions for a Grade II* Sector and Simpson & Brown Architects won a design new foyer and an extension of the street frontage, competition with an ambitious proposal to restore Lead architect Cultural provides carefully managed and welcoming front of and extensively remodel the building, creating a Angus Morrogh Ryan house facilities. Listing Grade II new ‘Secret Gallery’ in the roof space, a ceramic The work has exposed elements of the original clad roof top gallery and a new garden entrance York Theatre Royal is a part of York’s heritage, a Medieval and Georgian fabric of the building. and balcony. global city renowned for its rich history and firmly The extension has been carefully refurbished to York Art Gallery, Grade II, is a public art gallery in rooted in traditions. The theatre site has been de-clutter and reinstate the original design intent, York city centre with a collection of paintings from occupied since the mid-18th century, undergoing improving floor coverings, furniture and lighting the 14th century to the present day. It also exhibits a number of alterations over the years. The most to give this significant listed building back its the most extensive and representative collection of significant addition was made by Patrick Gwynne design coherence. British Studio Ceramics in the country. The building in 1967, with its iconic mushroom columns, free The final result demonstrates the complete was originally built for the second Yorkshire Fine Art flowing space and futuristic skylights – a legacy success of the full design team in delivering an and Industrial Exhibition in 1879. In 1892 it became to the modern movement at the beginning of the excellent refurbishment and the vital role of a well- the new City Art Gallery. 20th Century. informed client, working in collaboration with all Due to the high natural light levels, the large The project occupies a very tight site adjacent to stakeholders, and what can be achieved in the most Victorian exhibition hall was not well suited to a world heritage site; with its grade II* listing, the challenging context. the exhibition of paintings. As a result, the main
6 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 7 RIBA SOUTHEAST RIBA SOUTHEAST
Civic Trust Awards 2018, RICS Awards Winner Project of the Year 2018, RICS Awards Winner Tourism and Leisure 2018, Wood Awards: Commended, shortlisted for the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize, RIBA South East 2017, Shortlisted for Binet ©Hélène Images: the RIBA National Award 2017, RIBA South East Building of the Year 2017, RIBA South East Conservation Award 2017, RIBA South East Regional Award 2017, Kent Design and Development Awards Conservation Award 2017, Civic Trust Awards (Regional Finalist) 2017 Interior image: ©National Trust Images/John Hammond. External image: ©Charles Bain Smith Bain ©Charles image: External Hammond. Images/John Trust ©National image: Interior
Tower conservation at black cladding rather than to match the existing Command of the Oceans white structure, and the decision not to mimic Sissinghurst Castle Garden the pitch of the existing roofs were bold moves in Location conservation terms and were very successful. Location 26 The Historic Dockyard, Chatham 29 Biddenden Road, Cranbrook The project is academically rigorous in terms of Architect repairs, reversibility and selection of new materials Architect Baynes and Mitchell Architects and is a delightful new addition to the historic National Trust Client/Developer dockyard. Successful engagement with specialist Client/Developer Chatham Historic Dockyard craftsmen and sensitive repairs, such as the National Trust Sector scarfing of the main timbers in the mast house, Sector Cultural, industrial adds to the beauty of the refurbished spaces. Cultural Listing Listing This is a Heritage Lottery Funded project and and exhibitions, moving of historic collections, Grade I Scheduled monuments, Grade I and Grade II* Historic England was a close collaborator. horticulture and building conservation work. listed structures Lead architect It comprised a very detailed conservation Lead architect Charles Bain Smith RIBA SCA programme to undertake priority works such as Alan Mitchell the condition of the stone parapets, weathervanes, The Sissinghurst Elizabethan Tower’s last major timber staircase and brick window mullions. The Command of the Oceans, a heritage landscape repair was carried out in the 1980s, but since then understanding of how coloured decoration was and scheduled monument, is a conservation and it has suffered significant decay in the state of used on the outside of the building has added to a re-use project with a significant new-build element the oak-shingled roofs, stone parapets, staircase, wider understanding of Tudor Architecture – not as that unlocks the potential of unique historic plaster and glazing. Its Conservation Project was we see it today in its comfortable decay, but in the buildings at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, complex as it required the coordination of a number brightness and decorative exuberance in which it allowing them to be used as 21st century visitor of work-streams and disciplines within a very short was envisaged. facilities and galleries. window of opportunity during winter. The tower now receives around 220,000 visitors a The striking new visitor entrance knits together the The project required specialist conservation work year and it is the centrepiece of the world famous historic fabric to either side. The decision to use and investigations. It involved interpretation ‘Sissinghurst Castle Gardens’.
8 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 9 RIBA SOUTHEAST RIBA SOUTH
RIBA Conservation Award 2017 Architect of the Year Award 2018 Shortlisted Refurbishment Category Images: Brotherton ©Tim Images: © Richard Griffiths Architects
Jack and Jill windmills
Location obscured by later additions. Externally, vital repairs 31 Clayton, Hassocks Bedales School to the rainwater goods, leaded windows, and historic Architect brick were carried out, including a new roof for the Featherstone Young Location seminar room extension. The whole of the interior Client/Developer 30 Church Road, Steep, Petersfield was carefully cleaned and redecorated, with sensitive Private Architect repairs to the wide oak boards of the stage, quarry Sector Richard Griffiths Architects tiled floor, and Gimson designed pews. Commercial, hospitality Client/Developer RGA’s work has revealed the spirit of the original Listing Bedales School design, with carefully considered contemporary Grade II* Sector interventions to bring it back into use as a Lead architect be progressed as well as new and appropriate Education music venue. The hall now has a beneficial and Benedetta Rogers responses to be made to the modern buildings Listing sustainable future at the heart of the school. on the site. The careful integration of the granary Grade I Grade II* listed Jack Mill, one of the Jack and Jill within the new wing is inspired and successfully pair, is located on the ridge of the South Downs balances benefits over harm to safeguard the Ernest Gimson’s Memorial Library and Lupton National Park and had fallen into disrepair. Working remaining timber structure. Hall are among the finest products of the Arts with a heritage consultant and windmill experts, Part of the success of this project is due to a very and Crafts movement, and are of international FYA gained planning approval to implement a close, collaborative client/architect relationship. significance in combining furniture and architecture strategy of renewal, retention and replacement. From conception the project was well informed and in an indissoluble mix. Conceived as part of In conservation terms, this project is exemplary researched. FYA extensively consulted with two an unbuilt quadrangle, the hall was used as an in its approach to enhancing an existing context. local authorities, Historic England, SPAB and local assembly space, but had fallen into disuse as the The significance of the context and the structures millwrights and community groups. school expanded. was rigorously explored in a heritage assessment One of the key sustainable features at Jack Mill is The magnificent cruck frame, austere brick walls, which informed the repair and new interventions the re-use and recycling of the existing buildings quarry tile floors, and circular windows are clearly and has enabled the local craft traditions to rather than their demolition and re-build. visible in the early photographs, but had been
10 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 11 RIBA EAST RIBA EAST
RIBA National Award 2018, RIBA East Award 2018, RIBA BD Architect of the year award 2014, RIBA Award 2010, East Conservation Award 2018, AJ Specification Award AJ 40 Under 40, Refurbishment Architect of the Year (Doors & Windows) with Schüco 2018, AJ Retrofit Award, Award, finalist, RIBA Manser Medal 2010 finalist, RIBA Journal Schüco Excellence Awards, Best Education The Stephen Lawrence Prize 2010, finalist Project 2017, Cambridge Design and Construction Awards Images: © Edmund Sumner 2017 Images: Nicholas Hare Architects © Alan Williams Photography Williams Alan © Architects Hare Images: Nicholas
The David Attenborough Building
Location complex planning negotiations. The existing fabric, 13 Pembroke Street, Cambridge Martello Tower Y geometry, and form were key design drivers. Architect A new lightweight curving roof extension of steel Nicholas Hare Architects Location and plywood, prefabricated off-site using computer- Client/Developer 15 Woodbridge generated cutting patterns, is lightly tethered to the University of Cambridge Architect existing structure and set back to minimize visual Sector Piercy & Company impact. A deep curved skirt of frameless glass Education Client/Developer floats between old and new and provides stunning original Sir Philip Dowson design. What has Private 360-degree views of the coastal landscape Listing particularly helped give the building a new lease Sector from within. Not listed of life was the change in use of the upper floors Residential Lead architect from closed laboratories and offices to the light Carol Lelliott filled, open plan working environments for the Listing Cambridge Conservation Initiative (a collaborative Scheduled Monument in an area partnership of the University of Cambridge of outstanding natural beauty This brutalist icon, designed by Arup Associates and leading internationally-focused biodiversity in the 1960s has been restored and re-invented conservation organisations). “The refurbishment of This award-winning conversion of a dilapidated as a cross-disciplinary conservation campus a fine example of 1960s architectural brutalism will Napoleonic sea defence tower into a contemporary and sustainability exemplar. Some sympathetic demonstrate the highest levels of environmental home is highly respectful of both heritage and but striking architectural interventions adapt the sustainability and be an exemplar of how to enrich setting. A Scheduled Monument in an Area of building to its new purpose and an innovative and conserve biodiversity in an urban setting.” – Outstanding Natural Beauty, it took a committed sustainability strategy delivers a low energy Cambridge Conservation Initiative. multi-disciplinary team to ensure that the design outcome whilst preserving the integrity of the vision remained intact throughout two years of
12 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 13 RIBA EAST RIBA LONDON
2010 AJ Small Projects Award RIBA London Award 2018 2010 Quality of Place Award – Design Images: © Philip Vile Images: ©Anne Purkiss Images: ©Anne
artists and writers’ residencies, for music rehearsal Dovecote Studio, 2009 and performance or for seminars and exhibitions. Only the minimum work needed to stablise Location the ruined brickwork was done before the new Turner’s House 14 Snape Bridge, Suffolk structure was inserted – decaying existing windows Architect were left alone and vegetation growing over the Location Haworth Tompkins dovecote was protected to allow an uninterrupted 22 Sandycoombe Road, Twickenham Client/Developer natural process of ageing. The small structure Architect Snape Maltings alludes to the repurposing of the old maltings Butler Hegarty Architects Sector for creative use. Hovering between installation Client/Developer Cultural and architecture, it is the only demonstrative new Turner’s House Trust Listing element within an otherwise understated, almost Sector Not listed invisible series of interventions that the architects Cultural Lead architect have made elsewhere on the site. Listing Andrew Rowson Grade II* Lead architect on a £1.2 million programme, which involved The Dovecote Studio was part of Howarth Gary Butler RIBA SCA/AABC demolishing later additions, remodelling its interior Tompkins’ creative campus project for Snape and furnishing it as a museum using the inventory Maltings on Suffolk’s east coast. Inhabiting a ruined Sandycombe Lodge was designed by the eminent of Turner’s London house and the artist’s own Victorian dovecote at the threshold of the wide landscape painter J.M.W. Turner as a rural retreat sketchbooks. The architect describes the house as coastal marshes, the new studio is formed of an near the Thames in Twickenham, and was being returned to a ‘solemn brick structure’, rather abstract, weathered steel ‘lining’, fabricated on site built between 1813 and 1815. Turner owned the than its ‘polite Regency’ incarnation, as originally and craned into place, corresponding to the original building until 1826, and his father lived in the conceived by Turner. Such extensive remaking, building’s volume. The interior space is lined with house throughout this period. This quietly radical including the removal of wings, would not be the pale spruce plywood to create a singular, austere project is not so much an exercise in preservation usual approach for a building of this calibre. But the room. Roof glazing sheds an even north light and a as an extensive restoration of the diminutive bold decisions are in this case justified in recreating small mezzanine window gives a view over the reed villa. The grade II* villa was in a poor state and Turner’s original vision of a small rustic retreat in beds towards the North Sea. The studio is used for ‘at risk’ until Butler Hegarty Architects embarked the landscape.
14 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 15 RIBA LONDON RIBA LONDON
RICS Building Conservation Award 2018, The Georgian RIBA London award 2018, RIBA London Client of the Year Group Architectural Awards 2017: Restoration of a Georgian 2018, The Stage Awards – Theatre Building of the Year 2018 Town House Images: ©Fred Howarth Images: © Dennis Gilbert Dennis Images: ©
BAC3 Grand Hall - credit Fred Howarth alongside specific productions to test strategies Battersea Arts Centre for change and to evolve a playful but rigorous to the grade II listed building, the house was architectural language. Location 14 Fournier Street, structurally in serious danger of collapse. The Following a period of experimentation, a brief for 24 Lavender Hill, London Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets project involved refurbishment, with repairs to the more permanent work was developed, including historic fabric, and sympathetic modernisation. Architect the creation of a new public outdoor courtyard Haworth Tompkins Location The architectural aim for the project was to bring performance space by selectively stripping Client/Developer 19 Spitalfields, London the house to present day standards, address back and patching in a disused light well, and Battersea Arts Centre the conversion of unused attics and rooftops Architect the very serious structural issues and present a Sector for the organisation’s offices and garden. These Julian Harrap Architects comfortable home, whilst retaining the evidence of history, structural distress and severe wear and tear Cutural interventions have resulted in the reconfiguration Client/Developer through almost three centuries. Listing of the entire interior to allow the possibility of Private Grade II* multiple, interconnected performance, heritage and Sector Lead architect community uses, equipping the organisation for the Residential Imogen Long and Martin Lydon next phase of its life. Listing The rebuilding of the Grand Hall after the shocking Grade II fire that partially destroyed it in 2015 was able to be Lead architect Battersea Town Hall is a Grade II* civic building in assimilated into the project as another, albeit highly Robert Sandford RIBA SCA & south west London, designed by E. W. Mountford significant, moment of evolution and change. Melanie Hay RIBA CA in 1893 and listed both for its architectural Haworth Tompkins took the former decorative significance and for its important political role in the plaster vault as a starting point for a new, timber Julian Harrap Architects have completed an birth of the suffragette and labour movements in grid ceiling, allowing greater theatrical possibility impressive restoration of Grade II, 14 Fournier the early twentieth century. and a much clearer acoustic. The surface of the Street. The house was built in 1726 by joiner and Drawing on the existing richness of the building walls of the hall and its surrounding corridors woodworker, William Taylor. When Julian Harrap and patterns of use by artists, a number of have been preserved in their extraordinary, almost Architects implemented the first phase of works improvised, non-invasive alterations were made Pompeiian post-fire richness and complexity. BAC4 Grand Hall - credit Fred Howarth 16 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 17
BAC Image Press Pack Haworth Tompkins RIBA LONDON RIBA LONDON
RIBA National Award 2016 2019 National Finalist; RICS London, Highly Commended; Museums and Heritage Awards, Commendation; Richmond Society Award, Civic Trust Awards 2018 Images: © Hélène Binet Hélène © Images: Image: © Gareth Gardner
save the Music Hall. They took a new approach Wilton’s Music Hall to conservation by not ‘restoring’ the houses and Donald Insall Associates was appointed as hall in the usual sense, but by doing only what was Temperate House, conservation architects by the Royal Botanic Location essential to make them secure, safe and useable, Gardens, Kew in 2012, having previously worked on 28 Graces Alley, Whitechapel, London aiming to preserve the very special atmosphere Kew Gardens projects at the gardens for several years. Architect Wilton’s has as a derelict theatre rediscovered. In order to complete the re-painting and re-glazing Location Tim Ronalds Architects An enormous amount of care and ingenuity went of the glasshouse, 69,151 parts were dismantled, 20 Kew Gardens, London Client/Developer into apparently doing nothing and every inclination logged and stored. Each bit was cleaned with high- London Borough of Tower Hamlets to introduce order to spaces and circulation was Architect pressure water jets and crushed garnet blasting Sector suppressed. The experience of passing through the Donald Insall Associates to remove corrosion, revealing the original casting Cultural domestic-scale spaces to discover an epic Hall was Client/Developer marks and metalworkers’ stamps. New stamps Listing the essence of Wilton’s when it was first built and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew were added to the replacement lead work and the Grade II* remains so today. Sector fresh casting on the snow guards and finial details. Lead architect Horticulture, cultural As part of the conservation work, Donald Insall Tim Ronalds RIBA SCA and Adam Goodfellow Listing Associates restored the ornate methods employed Grade I by Burton to decoratively disguise the glasshouse’s Grade ll* listed Wilton’s Music Hall is the only Lead architect services, such as the ornamental cornucopia surviving example of a Victorian Giant Pub Aimée Felton AABC urns that hid the chimney flues for the now Music Hall, anywhere. It was in halls like this that redundant boilers. Variety entertainment as we know it evolved. For Grade I listed Temperate House at Kew Gardens is Historic entombed heating pipes were also retained everyone who has been there the atmosphere the world’s oldest surviving Victorian glasshouse and restored, although purely for historic purposes of the Hall hidden behind dilapidated houses and is regarded as a stunning example of the as they’re now obsolete. is unforgettable. By 2006, the Hall and row of ambition and engineering of the era. Half a century Following a £41 million five-year project the houses were extremely fragile and in a state of later its condition had deteriorated to the extent that glasshouse was restored to its former glory, considerable disrepair. in 2010 a government report warned that “urgent safeguarding and conserving its collection of rare Tim Ronalds Architects worked with Wilton’s Music restoration was essential” or the Temperate House plants and botanic heritage for future generations. Hall Trust for nine years to help raise the funds to would have to close.
18 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 19 ANTARCTICA Images: © Kennedy O’Callaghan
Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects have been They set out the conservation philosophy that would Conservation in working with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust since underpin the work and provided templates and 2016, to develop a long-term conservation plan drawings for the team to complete gazetteers and Antarctica for six disused scientific bases in the Antarctic condition surveys for the base hut, dog pens, balloon Location Peninsula on behalf of British Antarctic Survey. sheds, generator sheds, anemometer towers, Antarctica The sites, protected under the Antarctic Heritage Stephenson’s Screens, masts and water tanks. They received training to monitor temperature and Architect Treaty, were constructed between 1944 and 1975 humidity, extract material samples for analysis, carry Kennedy O’Callagahan Architects as bases for mapping and meteorology and some were still in intermittent use until 1993. They are now out photogrammetry and carry out emergency repairs. Client/Developer in varying stages of decay, exacerbated by abrasion The photogrammetry facilitated the production UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and water ingress from wind-blown ice. The brief of a point cloud model by British Antarctic Survey Sector was to write a conservation management plan and that could be developed into drawings suitable N/A to scope a fact-finding expedition for each site, for specifying future conservation work and for Listing before developing detailed implementation plans. interpretation. The conservator catalogued 7,500 Listed under the Antartic Treaty The sites are inaccessible for regular maintenance artefacts ranging from boats and sledges to tins Lead architect and the duration of visits is dependent on the sea of baked beans that may or may not be of historic Janie Price RIBA SCA/AABC ice and the logistics of naval ships who would lend significance worthy of conservation! support and transportation. In 2017 a larger team was deployed to Base E on A team of four was despatched to carry out survey Stonington Island, which was known to be in an and repair works to Base Y on Horseshoe Island in advanced state of decay and extensive repairs 2016-17. The materials had to be shipped several were carried out to both the British and American months in advance so there were only a few months bases. In 2018, with additional briefing from the for planning, which started in the British Antarctic Penguinologist, the team surveyed Base A at Survey’s archive, to assess the original data and Port Lockroy. With the information gathered the historic reports. KOC worked with the BRE, specialist team was able to develop the conservation plan suppliers and asbestos advisers to prepare and brief for implementation over the coming years. the project team.
20 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 21 RIBA LONDON RIBA LONDON
Civic Trust Awards 2012, New London Architecture Award 2012, WAN Award 2011 Images: © Tim Crocker Lower image: © David Grandorge. Upper image: © Nick Kane
of Downshire House, completing an ensemble with Chadwick Hall the House that creates a theatre for the students’ The Granary social life. Location This is a good example of timeless architecture. 18 Roehampton, London Location It is inspiring while remaining simple. The scheme’s 21 Abbey Road, Barking, London Architect success is also based on a skilful masterplan with Architect Henley Halebrown sensitive arrangement of the blocks with respect Pollard Thomas Edwards Client/Developer to the landscape, the existing listed building and Client/Developer University of Roehampton the restored sunken garden. The concept is a nod Rooff Limited Sector both to Georgian architecture and to a Modernist Sector Housing block of flats to the Northwest boundary of the Industrial, mixed use Listing site. The design becomes a backdrop for the Listing Adjacent to grade II* listed building and the sunken garden. It gives Locally listed Lead architect them the importance and provides a setting for social gathering. Lead architect the original fabric of the building. All lean-to later Henley Halebrown and Craig Linnell Schmidt Hammer Lassen extensions, internal partitions and non-original secondary structures have been removed and Commissioned by the University of Roehampton, Located in the Roding Valley/Abbey Road Riverside blocked-up windows re-opened. with Henley Halebrown appointed as architects, the Conservation Area by the River Roding in Barking, The new extension takes its cue from the strong scheme is set in the grounds of the Georgian grade this locally listed Granary building had been derelict gabled form of the original building. Clad in striking II* listed Downshire House, which itself borders on and unoccupied for some considerable time and bronze panels, the new accommodation is attached the LCC’s Alton West Estate (grade II* listed). was in urgent need of comprehensive restoration to to the existing via the vertical circulation core and a The brief sought 210 en-suite student bedrooms. bring it back into use. high level bridge link. A new atrium garden makes These are provided in three new buildings. Each The refurbished Granary, with its bronze-clad previously obscured elevations visible again. employs a distinct plan type – two are villas, the extension, is the headquarter offices for developer/ The new complex also forms the setting for a new third a Modernist pinwheel plan. Two are paired contractor Rooff. The Granary has been sensitively public square as part of the regeneration of the around an existing historic sunken garden. The third restored, with all new interventions respecting area as a new quarter for the creative industries. lies on an axis with the sunken garden to the south
22 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 23 RIBA LONDON RIBA LONDON
In the 2019 RIBA Awards process: shortlisted, Haringey Design Award 2018 – Best urban design, Housebuilder Awards 2018 – Best design for three storeys or fewer, Sunday Times British Homes Award 2018, What House? Images: © Andrew Lee Award 2017 – Best retirement development Images: © Morley von Sternberg
new shared gardens and courtyards. Exterior and Woodside Square interior features of the heritage buildings were Biggin Hill fully restored, and unsightly additions removed. Location Contemporary wings added to the villas contain Memorial Museum 17 Muswell Hill, London new entrance cores providing level access to Location Architect all floors. Pollard Thomas Edwards 27 Biggin Hill, Westerham Woodside Square embraces the character of the Architect Client/Developer historic and natural elements of this beautiful Robin Lee Architecture (Donald Insall Associates Hanover Housing Association and Hill location while finding vibrant new life as a modern, acted as Conservation Architects) Sector sustainable community. Housing Client/Developer This beautiful micro-neighbourhood provides London Borough of Bromley Listing 138 apartments for independent older people in Sector Grade II building and locally listed Victorian new garden villas and restored heritage buildings, Cutural villas, Conservation Area integrated with 21 innovative family homes. Second World War. Furthermore, it will ensure a Listing Lead architect Steeply pitched roofs, high-quality, natural materials sustainable future for the Chapel, which was built at Grade II adjacent Patrick Devlin and attention to detail epitomise typical Arts Winston Churchill’s behest in 1951. Lead architect and Crafts Muswell Hill. And, in the meticulous The new museum building has framed the Chapel Graeme McQuaker Woodside Square occupies the former St Luke’s restoration of the historic properties and the in the manner of a garden wall or cloister. It sits low Hospital site in the Muswell Hill Conservation thoughtful creation of new homes, Woodside in the landscape in deference to the Chapel, which Area, with its well-preserved streets of Edwardian Square faithfully carries this spirit forward. Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is a new cultural rises up centrally within the site. In counterpoint to houses and mansion blocks. The development, by Intricate design, exemplary placemaking and building designed by Robin Lee Architecture at the the characterful and picturesque silhouette of the retirement provider Hanover and Hill Residential, intensive local engagement overcame the former Royal Air Force station Biggin Hill. Chapel, the new building is of a constant height, includes creative repair, conservation and re-use challenges of landscape and building conservation, Located in the immediate environment of establishing a clear datum against which the form of the listed neo-Georgian hospital administration steep gradients and sensitive boundaries, to make the Grade II-listed St George’s Chapel of and character of the Chapel can be read. The building and two locally listed Victorian villas. a place that brings together generations in a Remembrance, Biggin Hill Memorial Museum tells arrangement creates a quiet and contemplative It also integrates many fine mature trees and the seamless contemporary extension of a sociable the story of Britain’s most famous fighter station, inner courtyard space where a consecrated remnants of historic landscape into a series of London neighbourhood. in particular its role during the Battle of Britain in the memorial garden serves as a reverential focus.
24 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 25 RIBA LONDON RIBA LONDON
2018 Civic Trust Award Commendation, 2017 Historic Shortlisted for NLA, Education Category, 2019, England Angel Award, 2017 NLA Conservation and Shortlisted BD Architect of the Year Awards, Refurbishment Retrofit Award, 2017 London Construction Awards – Category, 2019 Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist & Regeneration Project of the Year Selwyn Goldsmith Awards for Universal Design Regional Images: © Edmund Sumner Finalist, Shortlisted under the School Project of the Year category for the AJ Architecture Awards, 2018, Finalist under the Schools category for the AJ Retrofit Awards, 2018 Shortlisted under the Education category for the New London Architecture Awards, 2018 Image lower: © Hufton+Crow. Image Upper: © Simon Kennedy
The Grade II listed Poplar Baths in London’s East The positioning of the new build was challenging Poplar Baths Leisure End, on the Historic England ‘Buildings at Risk’ The Belham School given complex party wall issues, overlooking register before the project commenced, was from neighbours, rights of light implications and Location Centre, Tower Hamlets originally designed by the Borough Engineer Harley the historic gables of the existing building which 25 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London Location Heckford between 1929-34. An extract from the Historic England were keen to preserve. Through ‘Architect and Building News’ in January 1934 Architect extensive consultation with the school, governors, 23 Poplar, London stated ‘Poplar was the first building in Britain to Haverstock parents, children, local community, Local Authority, Architect develop the idea for a low cost civic building and Client/Developer planners and Historic England, the modern addition Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects it stands above its contemporaries in architectural London Borough of Southwark was agreed given it referenced the listed building’s Client/Developer importance:’ ‘One of the finest and best equipped Sector scale while being appropriately subservient to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets baths of comparable purpose in this country.’ Education original building. The three-storey nature of the Sector Working closely with Historic England in the Listing extension has minimised the impact on external Leisure development of a Conservation Management Grade II space while also integrating innovative roof Listing Plan for the building as a whole, an essential Lead architect terraces at different levels to maximise external Grade II understanding of the building’s significance both Claire Barton, Kathryn Harris AABC learning opportunities for the children. This project Lead architect on a local and national level allowed the architects balanced the needs of conservation, development, Malcolm McGregor RIBA SCA to develop a design that creates a new facility with The Belham School is centred around the sensitive sustainable design, stakeholder engagement a four court sports hall, community pool, gym and restoration of a Grade II Listed London Board and outstanding architecture for the benefit of its Pringle Richards Sharratt were appointed to spa to be incorporated in this ‘grandiose Art Deco’ School. Haverstock have been able to cleverly knit diverse and dynamic community in central London. design the new leisure centre at Poplar Baths in building with its Egyptian style front elevation on together a three storey contemporary extension, Tower Hamlets, East London. Their proposals East India Dock Road. to fulfil the client’s brief and deliver an exceptionally also included the transformation of the existing It is the interior which gives the building its high quality modern learning environment. Haileybury Youth centre at Dame Colet into a state special interest with its hyperbolic concrete As part of the project the architects carried out of the art Youth Centre. Poplar Baths in London’s arches and stepped clerestory windows that have essential remedial works to restore the listed fabric East End is a historic example of state architecture been refurbished to create the multi-use sports safeguarding the future of the building and the used to improve public health. But to preserve this hall and event space, retaining the stage and character of the area together with the provision of listed building, the project team had to demolish entry sequence. the significant new build extension, conceived as a part of it and rebuild through a PPP agreement. perforated corten box on top of a simple brick plinth.
26 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 27 RIBA NORTH EAST RIBA NORTH WEST
RIBA National Award 2018, RIBA North East Award RIBA North West Award 2017 and 2018, RIBA North East Conservation Award 2018, RIBA RIBA National Award 2017 North East Building of the Year 2018, 2018 Civic Trust Images: © Hélène Binet Hélène © Images:
AABC Conservation Award, 2018 County Durham Built Images: © Andy Marshall Environment Outstanding Award, 2018 County Durham Craftsmanship Outstanding Award
areas required more substantial measures to tackle Durham Cathedral Liverpool Philharmonic inadequacies. In these areas stage machinery, house and production lighting and environmental Open Treasure Location services have been completely replaced within 6 Hope Street, Liverpool the existing interior architecture. The back stage Location Architect facilities, offices and second performance space 2 Durham Caruso St John Architects were most radically changed with the rebuilding of Architect Client/Developer the existing rear extension. Purcell Royal Liverpool Philharmonic It is an exemplary restoration in which the detail Client/Developer Sector has all been carefully researched and beautifully Durham Cathedral Cutural crafted. It also resolved the building’s deficiencies function of this living church and working with the Sector Listing in a manner that you feel Rowse would have Cathedral staff for over seven years, the architects Faith, cultural enthusiastically approved. Though the extension have created an inspiring visitor experience that Grade II* is prosaic, it provides all the necessary additional Listing celebrates the architecture of the building and Lead architect accommodation in a useful and easily managed Grade I showcases its historic collections by remodelling Adam Caruso and Peter St John new building. Lead architect previously hidden spaces. The objective was to Chris Cotton AABC widen public access to the hidden treasures of Caruso St John were appointed architects for the cathedral, both architectural spaces as well as the refurbishment and extension of Liverpool Durham Cathedral is the largest and finest example the collections. Philharmonic Hall in 2012. The Grade II* auditorium of Romanesque architecture in England. Set in The design seamlessly integrates historic features building was built in 1939 and was designed the Cathedral, Open Treasure is a world-class and modern interventions that include creative by Herbert Rowse in an Art Deco manner and exhibition experience that has transformed how repair, conservation and adaptive re-use of the has undergone a thoughtful, sensitive and visitors experience the monument’s rare collections historic buildings, revealing a range of awe-inspiring welcome restoration. and architectural highlights. The works to Durham spaces to display the cathedral collections and In the front of house the existing sequence of Cathedral are a subtle and elegant addition to the imaginatively using the claustral buildings. Taking public rooms have being lightly restored through medieval, Grade I listed structures. Through the more than three years to complete, Open Treasure discrete interventions that addressed functional Cathedral Architect Chris Cotton RIBA AABC, and has made the hidden spaces of the UNESCO world shortcomings and brought a renewed freshness to Purcell’s detailed understanding of the fabric and heritage site open to visitors for the first time. the interiors of the Hall. The auditorium and stage
28 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 29 RIBA NORTH WEST RIBA WEST MIDLANDS
RIBA West Midlands Conservation Award 2018, RIBA West Midlands Award 2018, RIBA Project Architect of the Year Award 2018 Photo credit: ©Harrison Brookes Architects Images: © Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture Levrant Stephen Images: ©
The memorial had previously been incorporated Cenotaph relocation into a tram platform, mutilating the fabric; and the The Old Court House Location setting was compromised by the tram tracks, which Location created extreme difficulties in accommodating 7 Manchester 12 Martley, Worcestershire the annual ceremonial where there was not room Architect for all the participants and spectators to properly Architect Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture contribute. The memorial was also badly eroded Harrison Brookes Architects Client/Developer by weather and age. Extensive demolition and Client/Developer Manchester City Council; Laing O’Rourke rebuilding had diminished its presence and the Mr William Rucker Sector dignity of its setting. The work involved taking Sector Monument the entire monument down, stone-by-stone; Residential Listing carrying out delicate and minimal conservation Listing everything that could be reassembled safely. This repairs and recarving eroded lettering and minor Grade II* Grade II had to be meticulously structured by the architect missing elements; and re-erecting. A new setting Lead architect Lead architect to ensure that reconstruction techniques were was designed to create a formal ceremonial area, Stephen Levrant Rhys Brookes RIBA SCA/AABC authentic and safe. which is now a popular prominent landmark in the Square. The repair and conservation of the Old Court The Grade II* listed Cenotaph War memorial The Grade II Old Court House, dating from about House has been a particularly challenging but was designed in 1924 by Sir Edwin Lutyens. 1510, had been derelict for over 30 years and was rewarding project, requiring a wide range of The main Cenotaph is surmounted by a catafalque on the verge of complete collapse. conservation skills and the use of specially made supporting a recumbent figure of a deceased Its rescue is testimony to what can only be components (bricks and tiles) combined with soldier in battle dress, which is mounted on a described as a labour of love by both architect and modern technologies such as Hempcrete. substantial plinth, each side with the returns bearing client. To the challenges posed by the house’s listed Conservation in this case was more resurrection obelisks. Stephen Levrant : Heritage Architecture status and its dilapidation were added those of its and reinvention than preservation. The architect, Ltd was commissioned to dismantle, repair, resident wildlife, which included bats, newts, slow builder and client have clearly worked with relocate and reconstruct the Cenotaph assembly worms and badgers, and its location on the edge of exemplary dedication and professionalism to a new location in St. Peter’s Square, adjacent to several Sites of Special Scientific Interest. to bring a long-neglected house and piece of the Cooper Street entrance of the Grade I Painstaking archaeological processes were local history back to life and create a home of Manchester Town Hall. undertaken to piece together evidence and salvage distinctive character.
30 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 31 RIBA WEST MIDLANDS RIBA WEST MIDLANDS
RIBA National Award 2015, RIBA West Midlands RIBA Stirling Prize 2013; Fritz Höger Preis für Backstein-
Awards: Building of the Year 2015, RIBA West Midlands Architektur 2014 (Transformation Category) Images: Philip Vile Conservation Award 2015, RIBA West Midlands Awards 2015, 2015 Europa Nostra/ EU Prize for Cultural Heritage – Conservation, Best Heritage in Place-Making Award 2015, Photo credit: ©Tim Crocker Civic Trust Awards: AABC Conservation Award 2015, 2015 Civic Trust Awards: Regional Finalist (North West), Heritage Open days Anniversary Awards: Community Champions 2014
sensitive historic contexts requires more than very fragile and in danger of being lost to over- Astley Castle the technical specialist skills of the conservation Middleport Pottery sanitised heritage commodification. The ‘light architect: this is an important piece of architecture, touch’ philosophy employed on the project sought Location Location beautifully detailed and crafted. The decision to only to intervene where essential. 11 Astley, Nuneaton 9 Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent put the bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground Improving visitor access and education facilities Architect Architect floor and the communal spaces above makes the were fundamental to the regeneration objectives Witherford Watson Mann architects experience of the house very special, as perhaps Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios of the project, allowing the people of Burslem Client/Developer Client/Developer the most impressive spaces are the outdoor Tudor to reconnect with their industrial heritage, and The Landmark Trust and Jacobean ruins. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust rekindling the pride of a community built on Sector This sensitive scheme places the new building Sector generations of world-leading design and craft. Industrial, cultural Commercial, hospitality at the heart of the old, demonstrating creativity, New workshops and craft areas were created, preservation and conservation. Listing Listing alongside a café, gallery and heritage visitor centre. In the grounds of Grade II* Grade II* Middleport Pottery is now one of a handful of sites Lead architect Lead architect across Europe where a traditional industrial factory Christopher Watson Tim Greensmith and its original function have been conserved, repaired and regenerated for the benefit of Middleport Pottery is one of the last working the community. The mediaeval Astley Castle was once the home Victorian Potteries in the United Kingdom. The “We believe that to create a truly sustainable and of an aristocratic English family, but has stood as a dilapidated Grade II* factory buildings in Burslem viable regeneration project, we must work with ruin since the 1970s, when a devastating fire wiped were purchased by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust an area’s unique character and community, often out the hotel that occupied the building at that time. in 2010 and, working alongside FCB Studios, a brief locked in its heritage. This is a working, busy, Witherford Watson Mann architects were appointed was developed to repair the factory, save the jobs authentic Victorian pottery that still has an active to create a new house that allows the Landmark of existing employees, create additional jobs and future within the community.” Ros Kerslake, Chief Trust guests to experience life in a near thousand- kick-start the regeneration of the surrounding town. Executive of the National Heritage Lottery Fund. year-old castle with distinctly 21st century mod cons. The building’s time-worn industrial character was Astley Castle demonstrates that working within
32 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 33 RIBA WEST MIDLANDS RSAW
Shortlisted RICS Awards 2019 Europa Nostra European Heritage Award for Conservation 2019, RICS Wales 2019 Building Conservation award, Welsh Architecture Award 2018, RSAW Conservation
Award 2018, RSAW Project Architect of the Year 2018, Images: © Paul McMullin Images: © English Heritage RSAW Building of the Year 2018
conservation strategies, the presentation of The Iron Bridge recommendations and submissions for consent. In addition to the traditional responsibilities for the Location masonry repairs to the abutments, piers, and re- 10 Hodge Bower, Ironbridge, Telford surfacing the deck, the architects helped to ensure Architect that the conservation strategies were incorporated Ferguson Mann Architects, into the decision-making process throughout the (Engineer: The Morton Partnership) project. This included assisting English Heritage in Client/Developer commissioning historic paint research to determine Yr Ysgwrn English Heritage Trust the most authentic colours which uncovered that Sector the bridge had originally been painted red which Location Industrial, infrustructure led to the decision to reinstate the bridge to its 8 Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales Listing original colour. Architect Grade I, Scheduled Monument, The architects also helped English Heritage Purcell Unesco World Heritage Site develop a visitor walkway beside the bridge to Client/Developer Lead architect engage thousands of visitors with the project. Snowdonia National Park Authority Chris Balme AABC This enhanced the project’s considerable visitor Sector attraction potential, allowing the public full access Rural, cultural to view work in progress. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Scheduled Listing Monument and Grade I Listed Building, the Iron Grade II* Bridge is internationally recognised as one of the Lead architect earliest examples of industrially produced iron. Niall Phillips he won the poetry award – Chair of the National This pioneering single-span cast-iron structure was Eisteddfod. Purcell was appointed as the lead a turning point in British design and engineering Yr Ysgwrn is a cultural symbol for the people consultant to explore a sympathetic strategy and and is a symbol of the industrial revolution. of Wales. The simple 19th century farmstead a conservation design that would bring a historical The Iron Bridge is in the care of English Heritage, represents the life and achievements of one of Welsh farmstead back to life. Purcell adopted a who recently completed a £3.6m conservation Wales’ most famous poets, Ellis Humphrey Evans light-touch approach to the farmhouse, aiming to project on the bridge. Ferguson Mann Architects – better known by his bardic name Hedd Wyn – ensure that architectural and conservation work did were asked to assist with the development of who died during the First World War, shortly after not detract or distract from the cultural significance.
34 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 35 RSAW RIAS
Extension to Millers house Shortlisted RICS Wales Award RIAS Conservation and Climate Change Award 2019, Residential Category 2018, The Times & RICS conservation EAA Architectural Awards – 2019, Civic Trust Award 2019, Awards: Commended, The National Home Improvement AJ Architecture Awards 2018 - Award 2012: Finalist Heritage Building of the Year, Borders Design Awards 2016 Images: © Keith Hunter Images: © Yvette McGreavy 2018 – Best Commercial Renovation
demonstration of slow but considered conservation Rescuing a and learning. Traditional skills were applied, and Borders Distillery derelict watermill local materials of wood and stone were used. The three main buildings have been turned into living in Hawick Location accommodation, while retaining the mill machinery Location and original rural features. New staircases have 16 Carmarthenshire, Wales 1 Commercial Road, Hawick, Scotland been inserted into the miller’s house and the mill Architect Architect in-keeping with the robust detailing of the building. Roger Mears Architects Gray Macpherson Architects A modern timber-clad studio extension has been Client/Developer added to the miller’s house recently using a Welsh- Client/Developer Private designed, highly insulated, structural hollow-beam The Three Stills Company Ltd Sector Sector system clad in vertical timber boarding with a out-of-town site, the decision was taken to convert Residential Industrial, cultural sedum-covered roof. an empty listed former industrial building within Listing Listing the town centre. Gray Macpherson Architects have Not listed Grade C taken an inventive approach to both architectural Lead architect Lead architect conservation and climate change. There has been Roger Mears Annie Macpherson and Michael Gray RIAS a light-touch towards the original building with Advanced Specialist Architect original elements cleverly reused or salvaged. This This upland Welsh watermill, at the Carmarthenshire was combined with well-designed contemporary end of the Brecon Beacons National Park, is at least Gray Macpherson Architects were appointed additions to the building. The administration 400 years old. Flour was milled here until 1928, by The Three Stills Company Ltd in November buildings with street frontage and views over the when it, and its ancillary buildings (the miller’s house, 2015 to design The Borders Distillery, within an river Teviot provide a strong presence for the the drying kiln and the cowshed), were abandoned existing Grade C Listed building in Hawick, built in Distillery Headquarters and Visitor Centre. and fell into dereliction until they were purchased around 1900 to house the Hawick Urban Electric The sheds to the rear provide a good tall space by the Mears family over a period of five years Company. This is the first distillery in the Scottish with natural light and ventilation for the stills and from 1979. The repair work on this complex is a Borders since 1837. Instead of a new build on an whisky making equipment.
36 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 37
The RIBA has established training and mentoring schemes to support and develop the expertise of architects working in conservation. We provide guidance to clients on the benefits of working with accredited conservation experts to enhance the quality of their built heritage asset.
The RIBA sets standards of conservation through its accreditation scheme which demands a deep understanding and appreciation of architectural history, conservation philosophies and current legislation. RIBA accredited Conservation Architects (CA) or Specialist Conservation Architects (SCA) have the skills and experience to make informed decisions in their approach to the repair and re-use of historic buildings.
They provide the client with the right advice to help achieve their objectives, mitigate risk and add value to their heritage property. We believe that the projects in this report demonstrate the value of working with an accredited professional to achieve better outcomes more efficiently and to provide heritage assets with a long-term viable future.
For more information on RIBA conservation accreditation please visit www.architecture.com/conservationarchitect
38 DESIGN MATTERS DESIGN MATTERS 39 Royal Institute of British Architects 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD T +44 (0)20 7580 5533 Registered charity no. 210566 architecture.com