Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
England boasts around ten thousand designated conservation architecture areas, with over 2% of its building inventory comprising Listed Buildings. These structures play a significant role in shaping the character of historic cities like London. The regulatory framework governing these pockets of London and their buildings is designed to safeguard their architectural and historical significance.
A substantial proportion of Central London, particularly the boroughs that Context Architecture focus on such as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, and Wandsworth, all have many conservation areas (CAs). The designation of a conservation area is a deliberate measure aimed at preserving the distinctive architectural and historical essence of the locality. Consequently, the overall aesthetic of these neighbourhoods is subject to stringent control by local authorities, prioritising the preservation of collective qualities over individual building considerations.
As experienced architects with a passion for restoration, Context Architecture stands ready to provide insightful guidance on design strategies that unlock the potential of Listed Buildings and heritage assets within Conservation Areas, often integrating contemporary interventions.
Our approach involves meticulous scrutiny of the existing structures, and we routinely collaborate with specialised consultants to present compelling proposals for the restoration and adaptive reuse of these historical properties.
Our methodology typically entails the removal of recent, substandard extensions, followed by the reinstatement of historical character through the application of traditional methods and materials, with careful attention to the principal floors, front façade, and roof form of listed properties.
Grade II Listed Georgian Renovation, St. James’s, London
The Grade II Listed Georgian Building was completely renovated throughout over its five stories. Listed Building consent and full planning permission was achieved following an in-depth enquiry into the building’s historic assets, including beautiful Adamesque ceilings. The building accommodates bespoke working offices set within the feel of a traditional dwelling.
Grade II Listed Barn Renovation, Wickhambreaux, Kent
The Grade II Listed barn on a country estate in Kent had substantial fire damage and was completely restored. The existing walls were substantially damaged so were cladded in plywood. While there was freedom internally to create a contemporary natural timber and concrete look, there was a planning restriction to keep the exterior as it is, cladded in black timber.
Chelsea Roof Terrace, Cadogan Estate, Hans Town Conservation Area, London
This roof terraces in set within one of them most strictly controlled planning areas in London, within the Cadagon Estate in Hans Town Conservation Area. The main planning restrictions meant that the massing of the roof extension needed to be within firm sightlines. Even with such constraints, a spiral stair, lift and kitchenette were all achieved. The project required building consent from the Cadagon Estate.
Grade II Listed Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House
The meeting house in Wandsworth is a Grade II Listed Building dating from the 18th Century. Although only half of the building is considered of historic architectural value, the entire site falls under the listing. Careful planning and consideration are required due to the burial ground located in the south-facing garden. The proposals seek to remove the parts of the building that have little historic value with new contemporary additions that complement the rich historic building fabric.
Four New Build Mews Houses, Locally Listed Building (LLB), East Croydon
Planning approval was achieved for these four mews houses set within the site of a Locally Listed Building. The solution required a contemporary interpretation using materials that follow those seen in the host building that front the high street. Although the proposals take on contemporary forms careful consideration of brick and mortar has made the proposals weave seamlessly into the historic context.