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Studio MODA Working On Listed Building Heritage Assets

In the last blog, Studio MODA discussed undertaking building projects within designated conservation areas and respecting the historical context through sensitive, high-quality design.

This time we look specifically at working on a listed building, something that Studio MODA architects have considerable experience in, and requires an even greater level of sensitivity and appreciation of the building’s heritage and context.

What is a Listed Building?

A listed building is a structure, object, or building that is considered of national importance due to its historical or architectural significance. Buildings that are of special architectural or historic interest can be listed by statute, which gives them greater legal protection.

The record of each listed building is retained on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) – a government national record of listed buildings, which are assessed and graded by Historic England into Grade 1, Grade 2* and Grade 2.  Listing covers more than just castles and stately homes, and can include banks, garden walls, shops, mills, bridges, synagogues, factories and more. Not all listed buildings are centuries old and many are still in use.  Although some listed buildings fall within conservation areas, many do not, and this is the case of the project discussed here.

The Project – Bournemouth Farmhouse Conversion

The project is to convert a disused stable block into 9 self-contained flats within the grounds of a Grade 2 listed farmhouse in Bournemouth.  Studio MODA are the preferred architects to undertake the sensitive technical and structural repairs required.

To carry out effective repairs and conversions, architects need to understand in great detail how the building works and why its materials are starting to fail, as well as what can be done to prevent it happening again.  Often, the range of knowledge and skills required, as on this stables project, means individual specialists might be needed to survey, assess, design, install and evaluate.

Only techniques and materials which have been demonstrated to be appropriate to the fabric are considered. These will normally be the same as the original or parent material or – where this is no longer available or appropriate – have similar properties, both technically and aesthetically.

Any interventions should maximise the life expectancy of significant building fabric consistent with sustaining its historical significance. This requires a detailed examination of all the evidence which may involve selective testing and monitoring of the building’s condition.  

While extensive investigations and monitoring may in theory be desirable, often the depth of such assessment is constrained by various factors.  These include cost, difficulties in obtaining access or restrictions on opening-up building fabric or monitoring, and may be influenced by the requirements of funding bodies.  This is why Studio MODA undertakes a two-stage approach –

1. An overview of the significance of the building and its general condition together with an initial idea for a programme, access issues and resourcing. This helps to define the scope of works.
2. A second more detailed and often targeted stage of assessment with further intrusive investigation that may even continue during the build period

Maximising Energy Efficiency

With all the current complexities of the Building Regulations, listed buildings are exempt from the strict application of them if it can be argued on heritage conservation grounds, but the design solution always makes best efforts to comply with the regulations wherever possible.

For example, it is often thought that historic buildings are not energy efficient and must be vastly upgraded to improve their energy performance. However, the energy efficiency of traditionally constructed buildings is very often underestimated. Most traditional buildings also have an innate ability to offer greater resilience to our changing climate than their modern counterparts.  They tend to have high thermal mass which means they can retain ambient temperatures for longer, avoiding sudden temperature and humidity swings.

Even so, there are things we can do to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, increase resilience, and help them remain viable and useful into the future such as upgraded windows and doors that are visually similar, and discrete insulation and background ventilation methods.

Transforming Listed Buildings

Historic buildings are part of our evolving cultural heritage, reflecting the nature and history of the communities that created them and those who followed. They add distinctiveness, meaning and quality to the places people inhabit, and provide a sense of continuity and identity. Studio MODA architects are delighted to help sustain these values for future generations.

If you require work to be undertaken on a listed building, the Studio MODA architects would love to speak to you and assist you through the process on the journey, from project outset through to completion.  Whether you’re planning a restoration, extension or renovation, we can help you with obtaining listed building planning approval in Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas of Dorset, ensuring that your project is completed to the highest standard while adhering to regulations.  Contact us today to discuss your next architectural design project.