Designing for the future by looking back at the past

ADAM Architecture is well known for breathing new life into listed buildings, extending and adapting historic houses in a way that respects their original design, materials and craftsmanship, preserving and enhancing the building fabric to make the homes fit for 21st century living.

Historical research and detective work
The meticulous process of restoring a historic building begins with a thorough understanding of its past. To carry out this research, ADAM Architecture has a dedicated department, led by Dr Helen Lawrence-Beaton whose PhD was on the English Baroque architect, Thomas Archer.

The detective work usually begins in the archives of the Record Office of the county in which the building is located. There, it is possible to trace the development of the building over the centuries: perhaps the intricate calligraphy of an original mortgage agreement from the 18th century, or 300-year-old drawings from an architect to a client – and even vice versa. Our researchers might also seek out the plans and drawings made by architects for interventions to the building in preceding years.

Researching historic buildings in local archives – maps, plans and books
Much information can be gleaned from old tithe maps, estate maps and ordnance survey maps, the first editions of which are delicately coloured and works of art in themselves. Studying these maps, particularly when comparing editions, can reveal vital clues as to the dates of changing boundaries, additional outhouses and altered access routes. They might also reveal extensions and lost structures, which can provide guidance as to where new buildings might be integrated.

Generally speaking, the more recent the extension or alteration, the more likely it is that listed building consent will be granted to make further alterations or additions. Equally, for areas of the house found to be original, or of special historic significance, particular attention is given to sensitively restore and protect that part of the building.

Uncovering historical gems and presenting them
During our research, we might uncover an original feature that has been hidden for decades, or even centuries, and can be revealed once more. Meanwhile, information on the history of the ownership of a property, can shed light on how the structure and its use have been adapted. A large house might have once been subdivided into apartments, while smaller houses might have been used as a surgery or a village shop.

The detailed written history of the building is always accompanied by photographs, both historic and current, alongside any architectural drawings from previous interventions, up to current drawings of the building at the time of appointment. Almost all reports conclude with a series of coloured phasing diagrams which distil the historic information and make it quickly and easily accessible.

How can research help to secure listed building consent?

The resource required to undertake this type of research is countered by the numerous benefits such scrutiny provides. A comprehensive historic report demonstrates to planning authorities and conservation officers that new interventions have been carefully considered, and the critical historic elements preserved in any new design. But this work also helps inform the new design: revealing the building’s origins and its development over time, as well as providing a valuable historical document for the client.

Our historic development reports can prove critical to securing listed building consent, sometimes even streamlining the planning process, helping clients save time and money, while they secure the future of a historically significant building.

Over the years, we’ve had great success with interventions, including to Grade I-listed properties, because our research has been thorough and has made a direct impact on the development of design proposals.

Historical research for new buildings

The research department at ADAM Architecture doesn’t just work on older houses: it feeds into proposals for new build houses and masterplans, via analysis of existing architecture around the site and helps to create pattern books that reflect local building materials and unusual building techniques.

This ensures that anything we impose on the site is sensitive to its context: meaning masterplans reflect previous patterns of growth in a town or village. We know that most prospective buyers prefer homes which are particular to their context, and this benefits developers too, as such an approach will often add financial value to the properties.

In summary – historic research isn’t just limited to existing buildings, and nor is it restricted to searching through archives. Instead, says Dr Lawrence-Beaton, “it’s as much about the future as the past, and is often the key to unlocking a building or a site’s potential for the next 100 years.”