A director of a leading Aberdeen architect's practice says owners and developers should ensure they have laid the correct foundations before tackling a listed building project.
Steve Lawrence, of TCD Architects, has 32 years’ experience in the industry and has tackled many projects involving buildings which have a listed status.
He says there are key issues to take into account before embarking upon such a challenge.
In Scotland, listed buildings fall into three categories, A, B or C. Based on that categorisation, A-listed buildings are of national importance, B-listed of regional importance and C-listed of lesser or local importance. The status of a building can impact heavily on what an architect or designer can do when drawing up plans for a renovation or extension.
Recent examples of TCD projects featuring listed buildings in Aberdeen include transforming the B-listed former Beechgrove Church into a collection of 18 flats and extending a unique B-Listed inverted crescent set property on Argyll Crescent in the Rosemount area of the city – the first successful near full width application for such a scheme on that street.
Another recent example involved a two-storey extension to a B-listed period building on Forest Road in the West End of the city; a project which was complicated by having two prominent elevations with street frontage.
Steve says anyone considering renovating or extending a listed building should seek advice from an expert with substantial experience in similar projects. He says it's always important to engage with officers from the local council as well as Historic Scotland – the body responsible for the listed status of buildings – at an early stage.
He also offers the following tips to potential developers:
Be sympathetic to the character: It is vital that throughout the design process the character of the building is respected – this is as much a reason for it being listed as its age or any previous use. A high percentage of listed building projects fail to meet with planners’ approval because the alterations proposed clash with the character of the building and, in turn, the surrounding area.
Think outside the box: It may seem like options are limited when it comes to modernising a listed building. However, with some lateral thinking, modern technology and techniques can be employed to make a project stand out. Incorporating protected features of the building such as ceilings or facades into the design can impress planners and decision makers as well as any neighbours who may otherwise object.
Understand construction methods: Many listed buildings will have been constructed using historic construction methods. In order to comply with current regulations, all work carried out in a modern way must be carefully considered so as not to endanger the original building construction. It may sometimes be necessary to use traditional techniques to complement the old, which would mean employing the skills of a master craftsman. Many modern methods of construction can also be appropriate and blend in seamlessly.
Many listed buildings across Scotland lie empty and neglected because people feel they may be too troublesome to take on. However by employing experts from the very beginning these historic pieces of architecture can be brought back to life for the benefit of future generations.
Integrate the past into the future: When tackling the design of a listed building project – particularly one for commercial use such as offices, a bar or restaurant – elements of the history of the building can be incorporated to help tell its story and retain its character while ensuring that all structural work remains on the right side of legislation.
TCD Architects was founded in 1963 has expertise in the design of high-end residential and commercial property as well as historic and listed buildings across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and other areas in Scotland.
The award-winning business, based on Alford Place in Aberdeen’s West End, has recently secured a series of commercial, industrial and residential projects.
For more information visit www.tcd-architects.co.uk