Conservation in action

If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing quality and sustainability throughout construction.

Conservation in action - Russettings Registry Office

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The sensitive conservation works at the Locally Listed Russettings Registry Office!

We were commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton to carry out sensitive conservation work to the Locally Listed Russettings Registry Office. This large two-storey Victorian Villa was built in 1885 and it has been used as a Registry Office since 1953. Mainly clad in red bricks and featuring an irregular mix of gabled roofs, chimneys, and bay windows, our proposal sensitively brings this building into a more modern context.

Alongside the conservation repairs work, we were challenged with the sensitive design of an extension. This additional space provided the Registry Office a much-needed larger ceremony and conference room which opens inwards to the Locally Listed interiors and outwards towards the gardens.