Alteration and extension sounds like a dull topic - but it does not need to be. Much of the work of the practice falls into this category and provides some of the most challenging and interesting work that we do.
Illustrated is a modest commercial project completed by the practice in 2003. The client, a china and kitchenware retailer, had acquired a courtyard site immediately off one of the main shopping streets in the centre of Norwich. The site is in the middle of a conservation area and the building, an old 19th Century livery stables with, unusually, stabling on the first floor access by a ramp, was Listed Grade II*. The need to provide an exciting retail space which kept the 'courtyard' feel of the space and did minimal damage to the fabric of the Listed building proved very challenging. The solution was far from the outcome the City Conservation Officer had in mind, but was generally agreed to be an excellent solution.
Many alterations and extensions are, of course, much more discreet than this. But all buildings, even the most special Grade I buildings, need to continue in effective use. Most of the work we do for the National Trust is alteration work to provide the visitor and staff facilities necessary to their everyday use.
The art of discreetly fitting in shops, cafés, kitchens, WCs, exhibition rooms, offices and staff flats makes this type of work full challenges and complications.
