Debenhams – Worthing
Reusing Buildings: A Sustainable Approach to Heritage and Design The reuse of existing buildings is paramount in today’s architectural practice. Demolishing structures to make way for new ones is not an effective use of heritage, embodied energy, or time. This project exemplifies our commitment to revitalising the existing structure, and adapting it for contemporary use, while preserving its historical value. Our objective is to help our client transform the building into something modern and functional, without compromising its original character. The challenge was to take an existing design and reimagine the building in a way that could serve future generations. By retaining the key Art Deco features and integrating contemporary elements, we’ve ensured that the building remains relevant and sustainable for the long term. Retrofitting existing buildings is a particularly complex process. Each project is unique, and there are always variables—such as undocumented changes or hidden structural elements—that can complicate the design and construction process. We rely on thorough analysis and flexible approaches to adapt to each building’s specific characteristics, even though the core principles of adaptive reuse remain the same. The original 1926 structure features a concrete-encased steel frame, with a combination of precast concrete and reinforced clay block floors, and rendered brick cavity walls. Our goal was to extend the building vertically by two stories, incorporating internal alterations and inserting new elements to provide both residential and retail spaces. This is a highly intricate operation that demands close coordination with the structural, fire safety, and building control teams, as well as adherence to noise and energy performance standards. Our designs were developed to meet both the latest building regulations and the client’s sustainability goals. The initial plans were provided as 2D drawings, but upon reviewing the site, we noted several discrepancies. To address this, Archidata assisted us by conducting a comprehensive 3D survey, creating a point cloud, and developing a 3D model of the building as it stood. Working with existing structures, a 3D model is essential for ensuring that both the existing conditions and proposed modifications align accurately. Traditional 2D drawings often fail to capture the complexities of level changes and irregular shapes in older buildings. Once the 3D model was established, we integrated the original 2D AutoCAD plans into Revit, which allowed us to begin the detailed design process. Simultaneously, the structural engineer was working on the structural framework within the building. The use of Revit streamlined coordination between the two teams, enabling us to optimisze the design and retain as much of the existing building as possible. This approach not only reduced waste but also minimiszed the need for new materials, which is a key objective in sustainable design. Our next step was to provide the necessary elements for the Building Control submission, ensuring the design could progress to the construction phase. This involved collaborating with the wider design team and managing the release of drawings through the project documentation system. For team members who do not use Revit, we provided links to the model, allowing them to track the project’s development in real-time. Reuse and retrofit projects are some of the most rewarding we undertake. They offer the opportunity to preserve architectural history while minimiszing the environmental impact of new construction. By reducing the need for new materials and repurposing existing structures, we can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future. Both preservation and sustainability should be the primary considerations when evaluating an existing building for reuse.
Conservation Area Office
We worked with the client to develop the original planning drawings from Lomax Design to generate a set of building regulation drawings to enable the client’s contractor to take the design to site. The end goal was to take the existing 2 story building and add an extra floor of usable space within it whilst keeping to the original planning design developed by Lomax Design. We worked closely with the team to ensure their design intent was kept and to ensure their needs for quality and durability of products were met. We coordinated the design between the structural and M&E engineers to help the client’s team get to a final design and get the building signed off. The building was modelled and detailed in Revit to ensure a coordinated package for the contractors. As well as to minimise site risks as the building was of interest because it was adjacent to a listed property and in a conservation area. There were a lot of interested parties. The building was successfully handed over in late 2022.
Boutique Hotel – Brighton
This is our second collaboration with the client, following a successful hotel redevelopment completed in 2018. The project is a property renovation, creating another boutique hotel that is remotely manned and monitored (removing the need for a traditional reception). The hotel is designed to be a fun space in the centre of town, with a focus on super comfy beds and smart tech. Reservations and guest support will be handled in the same way as their first hotel. This time, we’re dealing with a Grade II Listed property situated within the bounds of the historic Brighthelmstone, making it a more complex project. When purchased, the building was in a poor state. The external fire escape route, for example, is beyond repair. And the roof had been covered with a waterproofing membrane that is detrimental to the fabric of the building! Additionally, some elements of work (such as replacement UPVC windows) had been previously carried out without planning permission and would need rectifying. An initial research phase involved reviewing the history of the building. This included time spent at The Keep as well as various site visits. We prepared a heritage, design and access statement in support of a part-retrospective Listed Building Consent application for the replacement of existing windows and for general refurbishment and minor reconfiguration works. Early engagement was made with the Conservation Officer, and during the design phase, we worked with the council to obtain pre-application advice. This gave our clients piece of mind as to the possibilities for the building. It also gave them an understanding of elements that the Conservation Officer wanted to see, retain and repair. We designed new layouts and spaces and provided detailing. The spaces needed upgrading and we specified products that would satisfy Building Regs, improve the user experience and make the building safe! All of this was required to achieve the relevant consents. Then we developed a package for a competitive tender. This enabled our clients to appoint a contractor with cost confidence. Certain issues were visible from the inside and outside. For example, a large number of areas were damaged by water ingress and damp. We suspected there might also be some hidden problems, and unfortunately, the opening up works revealed a catalogue of issues (described in detail here). We were regularly attending the site to discuss possible solutions with the contractor and clients. Wealso ensured the Conservation Officer was aware of the latest developments, to determine the final scope and interventions required. With the construction phase underway, our ongoing role was that of lead consultant. This involved addressing compliance requirements and ensuring coordination of the design on site. So we liaised with Building Control and were in constant dialogue with the Conservation Officer regarding the sometimes competing standards of compliance v heritage. The Hotel is now finished and in operation https://blok-74.co.uk/ Do check out John’s blog on the progress and things we have found wrong with the building while on site, ‘For the love of lime’
St. James’ Square – London
We worked with the contractor to deliver the thermal, airtightness and leadwork design packages on this project in St James Square, London. It involved the retention of the listed façade and complete demolition and redevelopment of the internal structure to provide new commercial and office space. As part of their construction works, we were employed to develop the overarching architects’ work as part of the Contractors Design Portion for the Thermal envelope. It included detailing of the walls to provide an insulated and air tight box to meet building regulations. This work included coordination with the existing historic fabric, meeting the needs of the structure (which had already been inserted into the building prior to our appointment) and ensuring that the fire stopping was feasible within the spaces allocated. Within this work, we also undertook interstitial condensation and U-Value calculations to ensure the building performance was met as part of the final SBEM calculations. Coordination of the thermal and airtightness and detailing with fire, structure, retained façade and the original architects design intent around the doors and windows, floors and ceilings was complex. Although it was a worthwhile and rewarding challenge which enabled the architects’ vision and the building’s history to both be intact.
Listed Hostel Refurbishment
This property is a grade II listed building in the East Cliff Conservation Area. It is part of a uniform terrace of regency revival style buildings, fronting Marine Parade. The building dates from 1845-1850 and was originally built as terraced houses. When we worked on it, it was a hostel and in need of refurbishment. We carried out research to develop our heritage statement which revealed that many alterations have happened since its construction. The most significant was the conversion into a hotel in 1877 (ref.99.2195). Part of the work was to schedule out the 103 windows and note the condition as to propose repair or replacement. Historic photographs show that the glazing arrangement now is the same as it was in 1984 when the property was known as the Royal Promenade Hotel. However; some of the original windows were far earlier so it was important for us to debate the correct period and style of what was currently installed and what was a suitable replacement where required. Planning was gained and the project was put out for tender with the clients.
Major Development – London
We were approached by RTKA to provide specialist consultancy services for the development of Admiralty Arch, a Grade I Listed structure. Planning permission was being sought for i) change use from offices to a hotel with associated bars, restaurants and catering facilities; ii) construction of a series of basements for spa, fitness and leisure facilities, ballroom and private dining; iii) construction of further basement levels providing plant space. The turnaround time for our input was incredibly tight. We were engaged with just weeks to spare to complete the sustainability aspect of the application. The proposed development was classed ‘Major’ by the London Plan, and the project as a whole aimed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’. Energy consumption was already high in relation to the existing use of Admiralty Arch, due to the poor thermal performance of the Listed building fabric. A change of use, combined with increasing the internal floor area, would increase the level of consumption. Yet we needed to demonstrate energy reductions in order to secure a ‘Very Good’ rating, and achieve an acceptable compromise between conserving energy and preserving the historic building fabric and appearance for future generations. Cityzen spent a number of weeks modelling the existing building, taking the architect’s Revit model and using iSBEM software to review all feasible options. These options included making use of the local district heating network (considered a low and zero carbon technology) and a site CHP plant, operating both seasonally. We also factored in a highly efficient heating and cooling system, along with heat recovery from the proposed mechanical ventilation. LED lighting was specified to all front-of-house guest areas, with occupancy sensors throughout. There was an opportunity for additional insulation (in appropriate parts of the building) as well as upgrading the existing fabric and installing secondary glazing. A roof-mounted PV array would provide a proportion of the annual energy requirement. Part of our remit involved working with Westminster Council to ensure that the scheme met with their approval. We also liased with Whitehall District Heating Network to future-proof the design (to accept supplies from a potential future heat network). In collaboration with the architects and overarching M&E designers, we provided multiple iterations to reach the desired result. And an illustrative EPC achieved an ‘A’ rating for the new build aspect of the development. The final iteration was incorporated into the London Plan report and submitted to Westminster Council with supporting evidence to gain a positive outcome. Due to the high-profile nature, size and scope of this project, design and construction works are still ongoing.
Listed Refurbishment – Ditchling
An award-winning refurbishment and extension of a Grade 2 listed property in the Sussex Downs. This project was entered into the 2018 LABC South East Building Excellence Awards and 2018 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards…and won both! Between ourselves and the contractor, Nutshell Construction, we designed and put back a lot of historic fabric, replaced historic elements and repaired the building to last another few lifetimes! Originally built as two cottages in the late 1700s and extended in 1929, Cityzen has re-balanced the principal rear elevation to bring some symmetry and stature back to the building. It took us a considerable amount of time to get through the planning phase, and almost two years on site. Every room has been refurbished and renewed, various structural elements fixed, wells found, and steels added to support the old structure. The outbuilding was unstable so had to be rebuilt and an archaeology team employed. You name it, it needed it! Photographs by Simon Callaghan & Cityzen
Lutyens Country House – Berkshire
We were privileged to work on this double award-winning restoration. In 2015, RIBA South awarded the project a Regional Award & Conservation Award, stating: “The result is an exemplary conservation project carried out on an important architectural work. Attention to detail, including the use of a specialist Lutyens conservation architect, has been forensic. Through this meticulous attention to detail exhibited by everyone on the project, an important early 20th century work has been brought back to its former glory.” (RIBA Journal) Once a small farmhouse built around 1650, Sir Edwin Lutyens substantially extended this property (initially in 1906 and later in 1912). The country house was subsequently granted Grade I listed status. Lutyens also designed the gardens in partnership with Gertrude Jeykll, and these are listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. However, different owners carried out a number of internal alterations to the house. Changes included the removal of balconies, fireplaces and chimney stacks, as well as subdividing rooms and moving a staircase. Therefore, the newest owners wanted to restore the whole site to the original designs where possible, and bring many of the buildings back into modern use. Our role was varied throughout the project. John originally started work on it under his previous employer, Pentangle. Architecturally, CAD drawings of the site and its many buildings were initially required. John then worked alongside Frances & Michael Edwards Architects (Lutyens/heritage architect), Moxley Architects (construction stage architect) and a myriad of other specialist designers (interiors, lighting and garden) to achieve coordination of all the elements. In terms of M&E, John designed all the building services, which needed to work around the Grade I Listed nature of the building: new mains power services, back up and small power to the buildings, security and CCTV, new heating systems to all the building, plumbing and ventilation. In addition to the main house, the works incorporated the refurbishment of a number of houses in the grounds, new outbuildings and the walled garden, providing special instructions for the tender stage. Overall lighting design was also part of John’s remit, together with designing the IT infrastructure (including fibre links) and arranging for new utilities to be routed to the site. John worked closely with the owners and design team for over 4 years, ensuring that the buildings functioned as designed, the heritage was retained and the owners achieved their goals for their home. Cityzen then came back on board in 2015, to help assess the project at various points in terms of sustainability, ensuring its energy use was appropriate. Before