HERITAGE & HISTORIC (INCLUDING ADAPTIVE RE-USE) SUPPLEMENT
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Drawing on history COMMENT
Graeme Winestone of architects gpad London talks through the importance of preserving the original character of a historic site in heritage refurbs, alongside engaging with the local community and adapting to each project
O
ne of the cornerstones of our work at gpad is that we never approach the design of a building the same way twice. A lot of our work is refurbishment, and every
project is different, therefore you need to adapt. The first step always needs to be extensive analysis and research into the history of the existing building. The original use and purpose of the building must inform what its next chapter will look like. This includes an understanding of how the spaces relate to each other, and how they inform the detail of the design as well as the building fabric itself. We analyse every unique challenge closely in order to establish a challenge hierarchy. Before embarking on a design, we need to have an idea of the order of importance that potential problems need to be dealt with. However, this is not to say there are no common themes in our process.
Meeting the challenges
The existing building will be part of the local area’s character and identity, therefore when proposing a development on a historic site,
the views of those in the area are of paramount importance. Some may remember the building when it was first in use, while others revere its history. With the adaption and re-use of historic buildings, you need to be very open to collaboration, perhaps more so than with new build. We engage the local area, council and community by working closely with heritage consultants, planners and members of the public, so they all get their voices heard. In any given project there will be multiple stakeholders. The key to finding the right level of sensitivity is to understand exactly why the building is valued and prized. Winning the support of the locals is essential; therefore the proposal must befit its memory and worth. Another obstacle we often face is how to upgrade an old building to meet the more rigorous aspects of current regulations, whether fire, safety, thermal efficiency or structural considerations. Occasionally it can be tricky to marry this with retaining the existing character. Heritage consultants are invaluable during the analysis stages, and their feedback on our proposals genuinely helps to avoid detracting from the original design.
HAGGERSTON BATHS The goal of the project was to return the 1904 baths to its former glory, including restoring original elements like Edwardian steam boilers and ironwork arches
ADF APRIL/MAY 2020
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