Conservation Area Architect

The Practice has specialist experience working on interventions, extensions, modifications and repairs to properties within Conservation Areas.

As Architects working across London and the SouthEast we encounter historic assets on a daily basis. Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian properties make up the majority of buildings within Central London Boroughs. Some are recognised by local Planning Departments as having positive qualities and protected them using various means:

• Conservation area status
• Locally Listed Building
• Listed Building

Conservation Areas help to preserve and showcase some truly beautiful Architectural solutions by controlling what can be undertaken in terms of alterations, material changes and extensions. Some Conservation Areas are more stringent than others. Local Authorities publish Conservation Area guidance documents on their websites providing historic data and information to allow residents to know how to proceed if considering any alterations, repairs or extensions.

Locally Listed Buildings are those which add value to a streetscene or character of an Area by the fact they are an irreplaceable historic asset. These will likely have quality materials and design or arrangements which help to raise the Architectural quality within the locality.

It is usually the case that Permitted Development rights have been removed for properties within Conservation Areas.

Designs must respect the historical appearance of the Conservation area. As such, changes to the front elevation or garden must be in keeping. If replacing windows or making repairs to the front of a property the Local Planning Authority will welcome the use of materials in keeping with the original design. Atelierdb can advise on best practice and any opportunities to balance repairs to front facades with more modern contemporary rear solutions. With ever increasing urgency we need to address climate change. The replacement of single glazed timber sash windows with better performing double or triple glazed solutions is something we actively need to address, and something that the Conservation officers within the Planning departments need to embrace. The design and quality of such replacements must adhere as close as possible to original detail and proportions. A planning application must be submitted to ensure all is recorded and accepted by the Conservation and Planning officers.

Internal design changes can radically alter the original plan form of the property and still be acceptable to the Planning team. Atelierdb have undertaken some major reworkings to historic assets internally which are sometimes critical to ensure the modern demands of living and family life are addressed.

Atelierdb are passionately involved in helping to not only preserve our heritage but also embrace the need to address climate change and efficient use of energy. As such we go to great lengths to help clients understand the options available such as ASHP, MVHR, breathable insulation, lime render and more. Old properties have a fantastic amount of air leakage through old windows, poorly insulated roofs and even the walls. A key wellfare issue to address when upgrading period properties is to make sure that any improvements in air tightness are balanced with ensuring ventilation is suitably balanced. This is a complex balance and one which Atelierdb are passionate to help clients get right.