Heritage & Retrofit
Our approach to heritage buildings has developed over twenty years of working on various historic sites. We believe that these buildings require careful architectural treatment; new additions should blend well with their surroundings.
Instead of copying existing styles, we focus on understanding the architecture to ensure that new features enhance the historic setting. These buildings are more than just remnants of the past; they represent our cultural heritage. We invite you to join us in revitalising these cherished landmarks, ensuring they continue to inspire future generations.
Certified Retrofit
Retrofitting historic buildings responsibly, using a whole building approach, provides advantages for energy, the environment, heritage, community, and building health for both people and structure. A deep understanding of the context and a careful analysis of the building's current state are essential for finding the best retrofit solution. If you're interested in retrofitting your property, please contact us, and we would be glad to assist you.
Heritage and Retrofit Projects
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![Stone cottage with red tile roof in countryside surrounded by wildflowers, with a church spire in the background.]()
The Tin Barn Enerphit
Our clients wanted to turn a derelict set of barns into an exemplary Passivhaus home. On a rural plot on the outskirts of Bath, they wanted a home that would be more manageable in scale and more cost-effective to run, allowing them to live more sustainably. They also needed space to work from home and let a vegetable plot flow between the wildflower meadows into the rolling countryside beyond.
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![Illustration of a modern house with a wooden exterior and garden]()
Ysgubor-Berth Threshing Barn Retrofit
This existing barn conversion is located on a beautiful site, within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The barn, which dates back to the 1800’s, was originally converted to a dwelling in the 1980’s and the clients would like to improve both the layout and the thermal performance to make it into a home fit for sustainable family living.
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![Architectural model of a building with a rural landscape background.]()
Rhydoldog House & Barns
Rhydoldog House is the former home of the Laura Ashley family. The house sits in an elevated position at the head of a valley within a beautiful and dramatic wooded landscape. Our client, Charlotte Church, is embarked on an ambitious plan to renovate both the house and barns to become a healing retreat; connecting people with the natural world and promoting the importance of ceremony and ritual in social gathering and connections.
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![Illustration of a garden scene featuring people gardening near a greenhouse and a red-brick building with large windows.]()
Canon Frome Court, Herefordshire
We are currently working with the Windflower Housing Association at Canon Frome Court to develop 3 new affordable housing units - two of which are conversions of existing outbuildings in the grounds of the Grade II listed manor house and one will be a new build on a disused part of the site. We are working closely with the community group, through a series of workshops and consultation events to shape our proposals for the dwellings. The community wants to develop a low energy scheme using bio-based materials that will benefit occupant health and have a lower embodied energy.
What’s the process?
Think it.
RIBA Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
During this stage, we will help clients loosely outline their project brief, including their design ambition and personal priorities. We will help them to define a project scope, a budget and an outline programme.
Dream it.
RIBA Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief
At RIBA Stage 1, we will use the information gathered at the previous stage to define a project brief in more detail. Usually, this will include gathering information about the site through surveys and photographs, undertaking feasibility studies, carrying out an initial risk assessment and developing a sustainability strategy. We will also use our experience to advise regarding project costs and a likely procurement route.
At this stage, we will also identify the requirements for other consultants and assemble a design team with clear roles and responsibilities.
We will also identify whether pre-app planning discussion with the local authority may be useful to help guide the design development and increase
support for a planning application at RIBA Stage 3.
Sketch it.
RIBA Stage 2 - Concept Design
This is the first of 3 main design stages and includes the first design visualisations in response to the brief. These early designs might include options that are discussed and adapted in meetings and workshops with the client.
This stage also includes a first outline structural and building services strategies, as well as an outline specification. This information can feed into an updated project cost plan. At this stage, we will also consider relevant Research & Development opportunities that may feed into the design. This might include technological advancement, new materials or solutions that could improve the project.
Plan it.
RIBA Stage 3 - Developed Design
Once a concept design has been agreed upon, a coordinated design is developed alongside a structural strategy, building services and a cost exercise. Designs are drawn up clearly in CAD and the detail of the scheme will start to be defined, referring back to the project brief and sustainability strategy to guide decisions.
At the end of this stage, we will prepare and submit a planning application. This will include any necessary information such as a Design and Access Statement or Heritage Statement as required.
Detail it.
RIBA Stage 4 - Technical Design
This stage involves a refinement of the existing design, essentially preparing the necessary information in order to tender and construct the project. This will include detailed drawings, specifications and the preparation of a Building Control submission for Building Regulations Approval.
This stage may also involve working with specialist subcontractors, such as a window manufacturer or joinery firm, to develop the details and accurately price the project. The level of detail required at this stage will vary depending on the nature of the project, the procurement route and level of information provided directly from sub-contractors.
Build it.
RIBA Stage 5 - Construction
This is the stage where the appointed contractor will start constructing the project, and the architect will be on hand to answer queries and inspect the work as it progresses.
Our role will vary at this stage, depending on the procurement route. If the procurement route is traditional, we can act as contract administrators, which will include tasks such as tendering the project, preparing contract documents, issuing instructions and payment certificates and identifying defects.
Live it.
RIBA Stage 6 & 7 - Handover + In use
Handover takes place at the conclusion of the building contract, once the contractor has rectified any defects and the building is deemed to have reached Practical Completion in accordance with the contract drawings and documentation.
A sum of money may be held in retention for between 6 and 12 months to cover any defects that occur during this period, which the contractor must rectify.
The in-use stage covers an aftercare service to clients and post-occupancy feedback for us, the architects. We can offer services to include monitoring the building’s energy performance and advising on how best to use or adapt building services to optimise performance in line with the sustainability strategy.
Then, all that is left is to sit back and enjoy the space!