Fairhurst

Refurbishment & Conservation

Fairhurst has a good understanding of existing buildings and are able to contribute to projects commencing with initial surveys, intrusive investigations and detailed designs for alterations / refurbishment.

When working with historical buildings a conservation led approach and culture needs to be adopted. The underlying history and heritage of the building is part of its value. Research into the structure, its use, its historical setting and development and records of the past repairs can help in determining future methods and techniques for repair, restoration and alteration.

The needs of the owner of a historical building do not always coincide with conservation requirements. Historical accommodation may not suit modern standards of living or working and therefore there needs to be a rational balance between conservation and adaptation. Approximately 2% of the building stock is listed and therefore alteration and modification is a continuing cycle of change. If such changes are approached professionally and with due respect for the historic fabric, they can be carried out to the benefit of the owner and the structure.

PPG15 gives guidance on the adaptation of listed buildings. A detailed understanding of the existing building is required before any work is carried out. Prior to making any alteration or repair, the historic importance of every component needs to be considered. Details such as the marks on stone or on a rough-hewn piece of timber which shown how it was made represent the visible evidence of age and historic interest.

Often a building is the product of more than one period, and alterations made at one time are often described as being part of the history of the building. The importance of the initial investigation work and understanding of the building cannot be under estimated.

In keeping with good conservation practice we would look to apply the following 'rules' for any planned work:

Minimum Intervention: We must question is the work really required? What are the alternatives? Can the work be carried out in a different manor to preserve the original and historic fabric?

Reversibility: Can any new materials or repairs be removed in the future, and the fabric returned to it's present condition? Repairs are not always required to existing buildings and before any work is carried out, the do nothing approach must be considered. For example walls can lean due to historical settlement problems caused by trees. It this movement has ceased and the soil returned to equilibrium the wall does not require underpinning or new foundations.

Design Quality: There is a tendency to design all new work to match the existing, and often this works well if the character of the original architecture is to be retained. PPG15 discourages against wholesale reinstatement of missing components as this tends to dilute and hide the original design quality. Often the combination of crisp, modern design and historic components create the most interesting scheme.

Accessibility: Modern use of buildings requires improved access. There maybe conflict between the access required and the conservation of the historic fabric. Early involvement of interested parties is required to consider such conflicts, but usually the need for access dominates such discussions and alterations are carried out after the existing fabric is surveyed and recorded.

For more information on Fairhurst's involvement with refurbishment projects please e-mail Nick McSpadden.

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