Working with buildings of heritage

What to consider when working on one of the UK’s many buildings of heritage.

Buildings of heritage can come in all shapes and sizes from a Victorian pub of local interest, to a Grade I listed building of international significance. There are also exceptions to the rule such as the Richard Rogers’ Grade I Lloyd’s Building in the City of London which, built in 1980’s is one of the youngest buildings to receive a listing status.

Nearly a quarter of the UK’s existing building stock was built before the First World War - all of these buildings are classed as Buildings of Heritage. Of these, approximately 12% have a listed status. With heritage buildings making up such a large number of our building stock, their careful and sensitive care is of upmost importance to ensure we retain our country’s architectural history.

Our building listing system allocates particular buildings a particular status of importance as follows (starting from most significant):

• Grade I

• Grade II*

• Grade II

• Locally Listed

• Building of merit

Any building from pre 1700 is automatically listed. Other considerations as to a buildings status is whether or not it falls within a Conservation Area. Beyond buildings there are also listings for other historic structure which fall under the Schedule of Ancient Monuments.

For any heritage project it is important that the correct team of experts is engaged. Such a project can require any of the following as part of the design team: Architect, Heritage Consultant, Townscape Consultant, Structural Engineer, M&E Engineer, Acoustician, Energy Consultant etc. Of these it is the architect that is usually the constant throughout the project, overseeing the design and construction work, with the rest of the design team appointed on an advisory basis. It is worthy to note that working with a historic building is very different to that of a new build and a very strong understanding of historic building techniques is vitally important to the success of the project - when appointing any team members (including the architect) make sure they do have sufficient experience and knowledge of working on historic buildings!

As a starting point for the architect as the lead designer we will look to agree a brief with the client and once set, we will assess this with the constraints set out by the existing building (the constraints will be more onerous the higher the building status) to ascertain what is a sensitive and appropriate level of development.

Studio Kyson is a multi-faceted architectural practice that has heritage architecture at its root. We have long held the belief that any architecture of today is only successful because of the historic precedent set before it. At the heart of our practice is a commitment to produce honest, well-crafted architecture that is true of its time yet affirming of the past. As such, through extensive research and experience we have over time developed a strong knowledge of our country’s building heritage and a great understanding of historical building techniques, all of which combines to add further dimension and integrity to each of our projects.

Helpful links: Historic England; Victorian Society; Georgian Group; SPAB.

Image: Studio Kyson’s Firestation project.

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