Conservation & Heritage Expertise
|
At Alex Oliver Associates, we understand the complexities of working on listed and historic structures and our team of experienced professionals are here to provide guidance and advice throughout the process. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver sympathetic developments and alterations that add value and respect the building’s integrity.
Our team has the knowledge and expertise to undertake the necessary research to understand the context of the building and its history and the relevant planning and conservation policies. We can provide advice on the application process itself, ensuring all relevant documentation is included, as well as ensuring any potential objections are addressed. We strive to make the process as constructive and efficient as possible, giving the proposal the best possible chance of success. Our commitment to quality and our wealth of experience has shown that the appropriate approach to both the design and the application itself pays dividends. We also take a proactive approach to improving historic buildings green credentials, looking for opportunities to improve a building’s structure and fabric, to help keep energy bills low, reduce carbon emissions and assist in maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants. We look at a broad range of measures including upgrading insulation and integrating renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and heat pumps in a way which is sensitive to the nature of a historic building. We also often take the opportunity to cure inappropriate changes and use of materials with techniques such as breathable finishes, lime plasters, lime mortars and limecrete slabs, as well as improving ventilation. At the heart of our work is the desire to maintain and enhance the historic fabric of a building, whilst also making sure that it is fit for purpose and meets modern standards of comfort and energy efficiency. We take pride in helping to bring listed buildings into the 21st century with our sympathetic and innovative approach. Our team’s experience of working on both listed and historic structures and Alex Oliver’s registration as an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC), means we are well placed to guide you through the process and deliver a sympathetic yet practical design solution. We’d be delighted to hear about your project and would welcome an opportunity to work together on your listed or historic building. |
|
Our Conservation Philosophy
|
It is our strong belief that heritage assets should be constantly maintained and sensitively adapted to ensure their future use and enjoyment. Conservation architecture is the creative process of looking after a building or place that is part of our heritage so as to retain its special characteristics, its sense of place, conservatively repair its defects, and secure its future safety.
Our work is underpinned by our thorough historic research and understanding of the significance of a building and its context, we do this by researching and analysing its fabric, construction, history, function, aesthetic qualities, and communal value. |
The purpose of repair is to restrain the process of decay, by keeping repair works to the minimum required to stabilise and conserve the building without damaging the character of the building. To not alter the features which give them their historic or architectural importance, or unnecessarily disturb or destroy historic fabric. The unnecessary replacement of fabric will have an adverse effect on the appearance of a building and will seriously diminish its authenticity. |
Our Conservation Services
|
We use an informed and sensitive approach to our work, taking into account the historical and cultural context of the building, as well as the needs of the people who use it. This includes researching the building’s history, assessing its condition, developing conservation plans and undertaking design work in line with best practice.
KEY SERVICES
|
|
Examples of Our Conservation Projects
|
|
