What are the best practices for heritage preservation?

Every project is unique and requires a bespoke solution to conserve and protect heritage buildings and sites and preserve their historic and cultural significance. It’s essential to identify the specialist knowledge, skills and techniques required and follow established standards and guidelines.

Our experienced heritage experts have a deep understanding of the practices and principles involved. From the surveys, assessments and documentation needed to develop detailed records and plans, to traditional and modern building methods and materials for preservation, refurbishment and adaptive reuse. Collaboration and community engagement are also key to strategic decision-making – so that the social value of an asset is retained and future-proofed along with its physical architecture.

How does heritage restoration differ from other types of building restoration?

Heritage buildings are often made up of layers of history embedded in their architecture, with heritage listed assets also protected by law. That means restoration work must be carried out as sensitively as possible to meet modern building standards and user requirements, while restoring and preserving the original fabric of the building including structures and materials.

We help our clients navigate the complexities of revitalizing historic buildings, including conservation and repair work on existing structures, upgrading ageing building services with modern solutions and enhancing and extending spaces to meet changing needs.

How can you protect historic buildings and sites from modern threats?

Climate change, urbanization and the constant need for new infrastructure all have an impact on historic buildings, sites and archaeology. Our multidisciplinary teams work together to identify the issues and develop solutions for challenges such as seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.

Retrofitting upgrades for safety, efficiency and wellbeing, integrating nature-based solutions for sustainability and resilience, and using technology to model and test new interventions are three key ways to help resolve or mitigate modern threats. 

What role does heritage planning play in building conservation?

Heritage expertise is vital to identify, assess and document historic buildings including their features, artifacts and wider surroundings. Our heritage professionals work closely with our engineers and environmental specialists to develop the best conservation and restoration strategies and techniques for each project.

What are the benefits of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings?

Adaptive reuse or building conversion enables heritage buildings designed for a bygone era to be reused and repurposed for new needs and generations – breathing new life into historic and culturally significant buildings. With our extensive experience of adaptive reuse, we enable our clients to give their heritage assets a viable future by finding new ways to preserve, utilize and celebrate them.