International master course “Architectonic restoration, and building, urban, and environmental renewal” Roma Tre

WORKING WITH THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE UK

………...……..……….
1.
To inform
the design process
…………………...……
2.
To assess
the proposed design
………….....…………..
3.
To work on site
………………….……..

Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture Ltd – Architects and Heritage Consultants - London Manchester and Rome -
 ………...……..……….
WORKING WITH
THE HISTORIC
ENVIRONMENT
IN THE UK
…………………..……

Stephen has spent his entire professional career in conservation and historic
buildings, in both the public and private sectors of the profession.

Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture is now a specialist practice of architects and

historic building consultants carrying out selective conservation projects to the
highest standards; working in planning/urban design and in practical project
construction on a wide range of buildings and conservation areas.

The companies head office has always been based in London. The Manchester
Office was open in spring of 2006. Most recently, in 2007, Heritage Architecture
Ltd opened an office in Italy. Although in its early stages of development, it is
hoped that this European venture will be an exciting challenge for the team and
open new doors of opportunity for the future.
 ………...……..……….
WORKING WITH
THE HISTORIC
ENVIRONMENT
IN THE UK
…………………..……
1. TO INFORM THE DESIGN PROCESS:
i. Historic appraisal of the building or group of buildings
ii. Assessment of significance
iii. Historic context appraisal
iv. Conservation plan

2. TO ASSESS THE PROPOSED DESIGN:

i. Assessment of potential impact of the proposed works and mitigation
ii. Visual impact assessment (as part of the Environmental impact assessment)
iii. Justification statement for planning application consent

3. TO WORK ON SITE:
i. Condition assessment
ii. Schedules of repair, drawings and specifications
iii. Contract administrator
HISTORICAL APPRAISAL OF THE BUILDING:
• Background information regarding the building and architect ………...……..……….
• Appraisal of significance following the criteria of listing 1.
• Appraisal of the contribution to the special interest of the Conservation Area TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
CASE STUDY: The Welsh Baptist Chapel, Manchester – Grade II* …………………...……
The former “Unitarian Chapel”, constructed in 1839, is attributed to Sir Charles
Barry, although it is believed to be an early collaboration between Barry and
A.W.N. Pugin, architect of the Gorton Monastery and more famously the Houses i – Historical appraisal
of Parliament.
It represents the first purpose-built chapel specifically for Unitarian worship and
has been owned by the Manchester City Council since 1974.
The Chapel is testimony of the diffusion of the Unitarianism in Manchester at the
beginning of 19th century and of the close connection between the movement of
the middle/working classes, which were growing and moving out to the suburbs
as a consequence of the industrial and economic expansion of the city.
CRITERIA:

• Architectural interest ………...……..……….

• 1.
Historic interest
TO INFORM THE
• Close to historical association DESIGN PROCESS

• …………………...……
Group value

• Age and rarity

i – Historical appraisal
• Aesthetic merits “The Welsh
Baptist Chapel”
• Selectivity

• National and local interest

APPRAISAL OF SIGNIFICANCE:
• Preparation of schedule of significance to identify significant features and to ………...……..……….
relate the current state of the architectural and historic interest of a building or
1.
complex
• Identification of particular form and/or features that warrant conservation TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
• Significance plan
…………………...……

CASE STUDY: St Thomas’ Hospital, Stockport - Grade II

The original Stockport Union Workhouse, built in 1841, was designed by the ii – Appraisal of
Manchester architect Henry Bowman. significance
The workhouse subsequently became St Thomas’ Hospital when the NHS first
occupied the site in the 1950’s.
The architecture and plan form expresses the draconian intentions of the Poor
Law Amendment Act of 1834, with late 19th and early 20th alterations.

1845 1893 1960

THE MATRIX OF SIGNIFICANCE BLOCK-BY-BLOCK:

………...……..……….
1.
TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
…………………...……

ii – Appraisal of
significance

“St Thomas’ Hospital”

THE MAP OF SIGNIFICANCE BLOCK-BY-BLOCK:

………...……..……….
1.
TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
…………………...……

ii – Appraisal of
significance

“St Thomas’ Hospital”

THE SCHEDULE OF SIGNIFICANCE ROOM-BY-ROOM:

………...……..……….
1.
TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
…………………...……

ii – Appraisal of
significance

“St Thomas’ Hospital”

HISTORIC CONTEXT APPRAISAL:
………...……..……….
• Assessment of the development of the site/historic context, including the
preparation of map sequence and earlier built form. 1.
• Assessment of the character of the conservation area. TO INFORM THE
• Appraisal of the contextual relationship of buildings and vistas, to determine the DESIGN PROCESS
salient points design criteria. …………………...……

CASE STUDY: Camden Lock, London – Regent’s Canal Conservation Area

iii – Historic context
The Regent’s Canal Conservation Area was originally designated in 1974. appraisal
The Conservation Area’s special character derives mainly from the townscape
qualities and historic importance of the Regent’s Canal. The canal is classified as
a public open space and a site of nature conservation.
The subject site is also characterised by the historic evolution of Camden Town, in
particular by the changes that occurred in the area during the railway era. The
building activities in those years have deeply affected the townscape and the
relationship between the canal and its environs.
………...……..……….
1.
TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
…………………...……

iii – Historic context

appraisal

“Camden Lock”
………...……..……….
1.
TO INFORM THE
DESIGN PROCESS
…………………...……

iii – Historic context

appraisal

“Camden Lock”
CHARACTER OF THE CONSERVATION AREA

• The character and interrelationship of spaces within the area ………...……..……….

• Views and vistas 1.

• The architectural and historic qualities of the buildings and the TO INFORM THE
contribution they make to the special interest of the area DESIGN PROCESS
…………………...……
• Prevalent and traditional building materials and the public realm
• Contribution made to the character of the area by greenery, green
spaces and water fronts iii – Historic context
appraisal
• Negative factors, problems, pressures and capacity for change
“Camden Lock”
CONSERVATION PLAN:
• Consideration of user requirements ………...……..……….
• Historical research; morphological plans; statement of significance 1.
• Defining issues and vulnerabilities TO INFORM THE
• Conservation Policies DESIGN PROCESS
• Implementation and review
…………………...……

CASE STUDY: Round House, London – Grade II* iv – Conservation plan

Originally built in 1846 as an engine shed, is an outstanding example of mid-19th
century architecture.
It represents the epitome of major changes to social and economic history
occasioned by the railway era and beyond, up to the present day.
In the 1960s it became a major performance venue hosting such acts as Jimi
Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Peter Brook and The Living Theatre of New York but closed in
1983 due to lack of funds.
The Roundhouse lies within the Regents Canal Conservation Area.  

Base plan: LNWR, 1853.

Rail tracks ommitted for planning
but not necessarily dismantled by then.
A = Original engine entrance
B = Do ors to adjoining build in gs
c = Niche containing coke stove
• The proposal centres around the charitable work of the Norman Trust, and will
provide a multimedia arts/entertainment complex primarily aimed at young
people. ………...……..……….
• The works to the structure include: 1.
- reestablishment of a gallery, allowing greater experience of
internal space; TO INFORM THE
- adaption and alterations to the undercroft including removal DESIGN PROCESS
of some walls; …………………...……
- additional openings for operational and safety purposes;
- alterations to the roof profile to accommodate sound
proofing and
environmental services without intrusion in the primary iv – Conservation plan
• A conservation repairs
space;programme has been carried out to preserve the “The Round House”
significant elements
- a of
newtheaddition
structure and its setting.
containing ancillary accommodation avoiding
the need for
further internal or external interventions.
ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION:
…………………...……
• Assessment of the potential impact (element by element) upon the historic fabric
2.
of the listed building
• Advise on potential mitigation measures to address any significant adverse TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
effects where appropriate
DESIGN

CASE STUDY: Carlton Cinema, London – Grade II* ………….....…………..

The Carlton Cinema opened on 1st September 1930. It was built as a cine-variety
theatre for independent exhibitors C & R Theatres. i – Assessment of
Architect George Coles excelled himself with this lavish building which has a potential impact
magnificent Egyptian style facade dressed in multi-coloured Hathernware tiles. and mitigation
Inside the building the style changes to an Empire style with Egyptian touches in
the foyer and then into the auditorium which is a delightful French Renaissance
style.
The Carlton Cinema was taken over by Associated British Cinemas Ltd (ABC) from
February 1935. It was re-named ABC in 1962. It closed on 5th August 1972.
The building was converted into a bingo hall until its closure, in March 2007.
…………………...……
2.
TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
DESIGN
………….....…………..

i – Assessment of
potential impact
and mitigation
“Carlton Cinema”
VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT:
…………………...……
• Preparation of definition of the "zone of visual influence"; separation of the key
areas into impact zones and the identification of possible key viewpoints 2.

• Assessment of the visual impact of the proposed development on any settings, TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
views, vistas, aspects and prospects of listed buildings; on the wider setting in
DESIGN
relation to other landmark listed buildings and the character and appearance of
………….....…………..
Conservation Areas; Scheduled Monuments and/or World Heritage Sites.

CASE STUDY: Seager Distillery, ii – Visual impact

London – Conservation areas assessment
The proposed residential blocks
redevelops the Old Seager Distillery
estate and Norfolk House sites.
The subject site lies on the edge of – but
outside - High Street Deptford (1), the
Brookmill Road (2) and the Ashburnham
triangle (3) Conservation Areas. The
present complex of buildings occupying
the site is unlisted.
The appraisal and mitigation process has
been on-going as the deign process
evolved and has been instrumental in
alterations of the design. Consequently
the comments on the impact of the
buildings have been evaluated on the
design at its greatest capacity.
View: St john’s Vale at Cranbrook Road
…………………...……
BASELINE VIEW: VERIFIED VIEW:
2.
TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
DESIGN
………….....…………..

ii – Visual impact
assessment
“Seager Distillery”

SUMMARY OF IMPACT:
View: Blackheat Point at Greenwich
…………………...……
BASELINE VIEW: VERIFIED VIEW:
2.
TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
DESIGN
………….....…………..

ii – Visual impact
assessment
“Seager Distillery”

SUMMARY OF IMPACT:
View: St john’s Vale at Cranbrook Road
…………………...……
BASELINE VIEW: VERIFIED VIEW:
2.
TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
DESIGN
………….....…………..

ii – Visual impact
assessment
“Seager Distillery”

SUMMARY OF IMPACT:
JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT FOR PLANNING APPLICATION:
…………………...……
• Formulation of PPG 15 justification statement for the proposed development
• Examination of the impact of the proposals on the historic buildings and areas in 2.

accordance with the relevant policies, TO ASSESS

THE PROPOSED
• Identification of appropriate mitigation measures if required.
DESIGN
………….....…………..
CASE STUDY:10 Kensington Palace Gardens, London – Grade II
Constructed in 1846 to the designs of Philip Hardwick in Italian Renaissance
style, it has undergone considerable alterations in the past; both on the iii – Justification
interior and the exterior, in 1852, 1876, 1896 and thereafter. statement
In 2005 and in 2006 Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent were
granted for attic and pavilions extensions, provision of a new subterranean
space and internal alterations.
The 2008 proposed modifications will partly address previous alterations, which
have detracted from the original design.
…………………...……
2.
TO ASSESS
THE PROPOSED
DESIGN
………….....…………..

iii – Justification
statement
“No.10 Kensington
Palace Gardens”
CONDITION ASSESSMENT:
…………………...……
• Survey of the architectural condition of the building
3.
• Preparation of schedule of opening up to instruct and direct the exploratory work
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..
CASE STUDY: King’s Cross Station, London – Grade I
Designed by Lewin Cubit and built in 1851, it represents an early prototype railway
terminus. The station has continued in active functional use since it first opened, i – Condition
serving the nation strategically, socially and economically. assessment
It is built in yellow stock brick. The train shed comprises two vaults of clear arch
construction, closed by monumental plain brick screen of two glazed semicircular
openings, with central and flanking towers. Central tower with rectangular clock
turret with pyramidal roof.
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

i – Condition
assessment
“King’s Cross
Station”
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

i – Condition
assessment
“King’s Cross
Station”
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

i – Condition
assessment
“King’s Cross
Station”
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

i – Condition
assessment
“King’s Cross
Station”
SCHEDULES OF REPAIR, DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
…………………...……
• Preparation of drawings, specification and schedules of work for tendering 3.
process
THE WORK ON SITE
• Tender list for specialists and craftsmen
………….....…………..

ii – Schedules of
CASE STUDY: Hampstead Synagogue, London – Grade II* repair, drawings
and specifications
Designed in 1892 by the architect Delissa Joseph, it hosted the largest
congregation in the United Synagogue. Seating was increased in the body of the
building, by a classroom at the side in 1897, and by further additions in 1920s,
further classrooms and the Community Hall. In 1923 has been constructed the
marble and alabaster Bimah.
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

ii – Schedules of
repair, drawings
and specifications
“Hampstead
Synagogue”
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

ii – Schedules of
repair, drawings
and specifications
“Hampstead
Synagogue”
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

ii – Schedules of
repair, drawings
and specifications
“Hampstead
Synagogue”
…………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

ii – Schedules of
repair, drawings
and specifications
“Hampstead
Synagogue”
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR:
…………………...……
• Administer the terms of the building contract
• Conduct meetings with the contractor to review progress 3.
• Provide information to quantity surveyor for preparation of financial reports to the client
THE WORK ON SITE
• Generally inspect materials and workmanship upon the site during the period of the contract
• Visit the works to inspect the progress ………….....…………..
• Assist in preparation and valuations of work carried out and completed

iii – Contract
CASE STUDY: Frogmore House, Windsor Great Park – Grade I administrator

Built in 1680s probably by Hugh May for his nephew Thomas, altered in mid C18
and recased in 1792 by James Watt for Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. She
first set about creating the sumptuous and colourful interiors that make Frogmore
a unique royal residence.
An elaborate landscape garden, in the picturesque style, was commissioned.
 …………………...……
3.
THE WORK ON SITE
………….....…………..

Hand –made lining paper was painted with specially-
mixed eggshell oil paint in the Green Pavilion, furnished
exactly as shown in the Pyne illustration. The carpet
and crystal chandelier are from the royal collection.
iii – Contract
administrator
“Frogmore House”
Surrounding the glazed doors, these
hand-stitched and tasseled sconced
drapes and pleated undercurtains
precisely replicates Pyne’s 1819 etching.

An off-white
and pale Silk damask
green décor curtains and
is used in hand-painted
the main wall panels
hallway, with in the Mary
the restored Moser
banisters Room. The
finished with gilded wood-
a verdigris and-plaster
hue to the “ball” friezes
wrought iron had to be
and ordered from
brasswork. Italy.
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QUESTIONS ?
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