PROJECT REPORT: HERITAGE & CONSERVATION
condition, as Curtis explains: “Their historic architectural quality was still good, and through the restoration we were able to reveal their inherent qualities.” This was the focus for the entire project, with the design approach “developed to temper the environment of the found space,” rather than transform it, says the architect. “The factories, for example, have been stripped back to reveal sensitively restored roof trusses and brickwork which celebrates the history of the buildings.”
This approach also kept the interventions within the limitations dictated by the buildings’ listed status. As part of ensuring they respected the historic features and characteristics, the architects liaised closely with the council’s planning officers, Historic England, and conservation architect Consarc.
Throughout the design process the practice also worked closely with the client, who had in turn sought “specialist help to advise on briefing potential future users and the need for flexibility,” Curtis explains. The team assisted the client in trying to ensure that tenants of Woolwich would be appropriate for the buildings as they were, rather than those who would seek to alter them. “The project team helped identify the types of uses and tenants that would work well with the existing buildings, rather than undertaking significant works to the buildings to accommodate the requirements of less naturally aligned uses,” says Curtis.
Performance upgrades One of the biggest challenges when considering the end use was ensuring the necessary thermal and acoustic insulation standards were met, without detracting from the buildings’ characteristics. “The nature of the large buildings lend themselves to performance spaces, but we had to ensure high technical standards,” says Curtis. “One of the most challenging aspects was insulating the different types of existing roofs without compromising their appearance internally or externally.” Building 41 featured an ‘industrial shed’ roof and this was rebuilt to include an acoustic barrier, while older parts that had slate roofs were lined internally with insulation.
In their bid to make the most of the heritage features, the practice sought not only to highlight them as features but also to leave them entirely untouched where possible. “We took a ‘surgical’ approach to the building, only adding where absolutely necessary,” says Curtis. “Generally we were
ADF JANUARY 2022
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