Case Studies
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South Cambridge Country House
Project: Grade II country house refurbishment and energy retrofit
Challenge: Justifying extensive remodeling
Approach: Phased significance assessment prioritising character-defining elements
Wanstead East London
Project: Pair of semi-detached new builds in Conservation Area
Challenge: Demonstrating appropriate response to local character
Approach: Conservation Area character analysis and design justification
Central London Conservation Area
Project: Rear extension to Grade II listed Georgian terrace
Challenge: Balancing modern family needs with Listed Building policy
Approach: Significance assessment focused on plan-form evolution and rear elevation hierarchy
London Townhouse - Heritage-Led Extension and Refurbishment
Project Overview
One of our consultants led this comprehensive refurbishment and extension of a Grade II listed London townhouse. The client wanted to maximise internal space through a rear extension whilst working within heritage constraints. The project required multiple planning and listed building consent applications.
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Challenges
Conservation vs Modern Requirements
The client wanted underfloor heating throughout-a significant intervention in conservation terms that needed careful justification.
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Poor Quality Existing Extensions
A 1990s rear extension detracted from the building's character and needed addressing.
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Unclear Historic Features
Multiple fireplaces of unknown origin required investigation to determine which were original and which were later additions.
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Structural Issues
The front stone balcony was deteriorating and needed repair without losing historic fabric.
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Planning Delays
Local authority processing times extended the project timeline significantly.
Approach
1. Evidence Gathering The project team commissioned a fireplace specialist to document which features were original. This report proved crucial in negotiations with conservation officers about which fireplaces could be replaced.
2. Heritage-Led Design Strategy Removing the 1990s extension became a heritage benefit that supported the case for a new, well-designed replacement. This approach helped secure approval for the contemporary extension.
3. Technical Solutions A conservation structural engineer designed repairs for the stone balcony using custom iron brackets-avoiding concrete repairs that would have been both inappropriate and likely rejected.
4. Pre-Application Meetings Early consultation with planners identified potential issues before formal submission, saving time and redesign costs.
5. Detailed Documentation The heritage statement included significance mapping and detailed analysis of the building's development, providing clear justification for each proposed change.
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Results
Planning Success All applications approved, including the underfloor heating and multiple other interventions initially considered high risk.
Heritage Improvements Unsympathetic extension removed Historic balcony successfully repaired Original features documented and preserved where significant.
Project Management Clear communication about risks and timelines kept the client informed throughout. The extended planning process was managed without major issues
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Key Insights
This project demonstrates how significant interventions can be achieved within listed buildings through: Building strong evidence bases for each proposal Effective use of specialist consultants Maintaining good relationships with planning officers Transparent communication about constraints and possibilities
The finished project achieved the client's spatial requirements whilst improving the building's heritage value-showing that ambitious changes are possible when properly justified and designed.
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Project Information
Location: London
Type: Listed building refurbishment and extension
Services: Heritage Statement Status: Complete
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Note: This case study represents work undertaken by one of our consultants, demonstrating the depth of experience within our team.
Country House - Practical Conservation and Careful Delivery
Project Overview
This case was a conservation-led programme of works at a country house comprising a large number of modest alterations, repairs and the careful reinstatement of traditional materials. The proposals were not ambitious in concept but were extensive in scope, and the contract required close sequencing of specialist trades over roughly a year on site
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Challenges
Unpredictable planning engagement Rural projects can attract minimal officer visits (which clients often prefer) or, conversely, detailed scrutiny if an officer takes a particular interest. The outcome is hard to predict and must be allowed for in the programme.
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Numerous planning conditions
The application attracted a range of conditions - material samples, additional drawings and the like - some of which were pre-commencement and therefore could delay the start on site
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Patchy historic record
Unlike suburban houses in that frequently appear in online street and aerial photography, architecturally interesting country houses can be surprisingly harder to research. In this case an auction catalogue from the 50s supplied by the client proved particularly useful.
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Programming specialist trades
Traditional repairs and like-for-like reinstatements required multiple skilled makers and careful on-site sequencing to avoid programme conflicts.​
Approach
1. Pragmatic use of available evidence
The client’s 50s auction catalogue was used alongside site inspection to fill gaps in the historic record and inform decisions about original layout and fittings.
2. Reduce avoidable conditions by fixing key details early
Where possible the team specified windows, bricks, mortar and roofing before submission so there was less scope for post-consent conditions and fewer pre-commencement items.
3. Treat pre-commencement items as critical path
Samples and final drawings likely to be required by condition were produced early and programmed with contingency time to protect the overall build programme.
4. Prioritise sympathetic materials and local makers
Original plain clay tiles were identified as keymer tiles, enabling a like-for-like re-roof with the same supplier. Local craft specialists were engaged throughout the year on site to deliver authentic repairs.
5. Use restrained, readable detailing
Where a wall was removed to open up a plan, a narrow limestone inlay was set into the timber floor as a subtle “ghost” of the former partition. The detail helps the building be read.
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Results
Largely uncontentious approvals
Because the proposals were modest and well documented, the planning process proceeded without major objection.
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Improved historic understanding
The auction catalogue and on-site findings strengthened the historic record and supported the heritage rationale for the works.
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Key Insights
- Anticipate variable planning engagement and programme accordingly.
- Developing material and detail choices before submission limits the scope for pre-commencement conditions.
- Programme samples and approvals as critical-path items to avoid start-up delays.
- Small, restrained gestures make change legible without erasing memory.
- Conserving a building also means supporting the makers and craftspeople whose skills keep these places alive.
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Project Information
- Location: rural country house
- Works: Repairs, refurbishment, modest alterations and reinstatement of traditional materials
- Duration on site: 12 months
- Services: Heritage Statement
- Status: Complete​
Heritage-Led Design Review and Impact Assessment for Residential Redevelopment
Project Overview
This project involved preparing a detailed heritage impact assessment and design review for the proposed demolition of a late 20th-century detached dwelling and its replacement with two semi-detached houses. The site lies within a Conservation Area noted for early 20th-century suburban architecture. The aim is to ensure the new development respects and enhances the area's historic character while meeting modern living standards.
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Challenges
Contextual Sensitivity
The existing building is incongruous with the established Edwardian architectural language and street rhythm. The replacement design must harmonise with the traditional character without costly replication of every detail.
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Balancing Tradition and Practicality
The design needs to balance traditional materials and forms with practical concerns including buildability, cost, and market appeal.
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Complex Policy Landscape
Conservation Area policies require careful attention to architectural rhythm, materials, scale, and detailing.
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Uncertain Planning Reception
Planning decisions in heritage contexts are nuanced, so the design must anticipate concerns about scale, fenestration, rooflines, and materials.​
Approach
1. Evidence-Based Heritage Assessment
A comprehensive heritage statement analysed the existing building’s negligible heritage value and the significance of surrounding historic fabric, guiding the design rationale.
2. Design Review with Recommendations
The review evaluated proposals against policy and conservation principles, suggesting alternatives for bay window forms, roof heights, window types, and porch design to better fit local character.
3. Material and Detailing Guidance
Recommendations emphasised warm red brick with lime mortar, natural slate roofing, timber sash windows, and conservation-style rooflights, plus detailing such as brick arches and traditional rainwater goods.
4. Practical Implementation Advice
The report advised early ordering of materials given lead times and weathering, and careful programming around likely planning conditions like pre-commencement approvals.
5. Strategy for Complementary yet Contemporary Character
A balance between traditional forms and modern interpretation was proposed —avoiding mimicry while respecting the Conservation Area.
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Results
- Clear heritage rationale supporting sensitive replacement of a non-significant building.
- Identification of design elements likely to gain favour with planners.
- Practical guidance to minimise delays via early resolution of materials and details.
- A coherent design narrative aligned with heritage policies, readying for submission.
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Key Insights
- Heritage assessments and design reviews bridge policy and design ambition in sensitive areas.
- Early, evidence-based dialogue on materials and form helps avoid revisions and speeds planning.
- Sensitive historic character interpretation can achieve heritage compliance and project feasibility.
- Material choices and detailing greatly impact planning and should be settled early.
- Planning conditions should be anticipated to reduce costly delays.
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Project Information
- Location: Residential plot in Conservation Area, London
- Services: Heritage Impact Statement, Design Review
- Status: Pre-Submission (Heritage Statement and Review Completed)​