We are delighted to see that our latest project in collaboration with The Edward James Foundation at West Dean Estate is now open to the public.  It is a particular triumph to see the transformation of a redundant building in the heart of the Estate, the old biomass, reimagined and repurposed to create a much-needed larger visitors’ entrance to West Dean Gardens, along with associated retail and educational spaces.

Since 1981, the Foundation has been committed to environmentally sustainable energy, spearheaded by installing one of the first woodchip-fired biomass boilers in the UK.  The boiler was run using sustainable materials from the Estate and provided heating for West Dean College’s buildings, and others.  The success of the system led to its replacement in 2016 with a new purpose-built energy centre to the north of the College campus, enabling more than 20 of the Estate’s residential properties to be added to the arrangement while using the same amount of source material.

The old biomass, built in the 1980s

Moving the biomass operations to the new building meant the original structure, located on the south side of the College campus and close to the existing West Dean Gardens visitors’ entrance, restaurant, shop and car park, was left redundant, used only for storage and becoming somewhat overgrown.   

The Gardens, which are visited by over 80,000 people each year, had outgrown the existing visitor facilities, where ticket sales, the Gardens’ shop, and the entrance to the Park and Gardens themselves jostled for space beside the busy restaurant.  When the Foundation began considering development of a new visitor’s entrance, the old biomass with its spacious yard seemed a logical choice.  

View of the old biomass building from West Dean Gardens, behind the crinkle-crankle wall

Our involvement included overseeing the entire project, first by submitting a planning application to convert the old biomass building and for its change of use.  Unlike much of West Dean College campus, the site is not within the West Dean Conservation Area nor the grade II* listed Registered Park and Gardens, although is immediately adjacent to both.  The yard surrounding the site is also separated from the Gardens by a historic distinctive zig-zag, red brick ‘crinkle-crankle’ wall which falls within the Registered Park and Gardens, so these constraints needed to be considered throughout the conversion process.

The old biomass yard, with the crinkle-crankle wall on the right

The sustainability ethos which embodied the introduction of the original biomass in the early 1980s has continued with its transformation to the new visitors’ entrance.  Repurposed materials have been used to create shelving and furnishings, while leaving as much as the original structure as possible.  The new energy centre also provides heating for the building.

Interior of the old biomass building shown left, with the reimagined interior taking shape shown right

Now known as the Gardens Gatehouse, the old biomass re-opened in its reimagined form on 10 March 2026, providing the new visitor entrance with an information centre, craft shop, plant nursery and gift shop.  It also has a dedicated area for arts and craft demonstrations and taster sessions, such as watercolour painting, printmaking and design courses.

New entrance to the Gardens Gatehouse close to completion of the works

Interior of the new visitors’ entrance, with shelving and furnishings made from repurposed materials

It is hugely satisfying to see the project come to fruition, with so many positive outcomes.  If you have a similar project to reimagine a redundant building, or within a conservation or sensitive area, please contact us.

The 7 storey building has had a long and varied history in terms of its use, originally having been entirely residential but later occupied by professionals.  Commercial occupation continued in the 1930s when the property operated as a hotel, finally converting to restaurant on the ground floor from the 1960s, with residential accommodation above.  This use continues to the present day, albeit after a series of different ownerships.

The property has a Dutch-style gable and is Flemish brick bond with ornate rubbed brick reveals, with keystones and a decorative brick frieze.  While unlike adjacent buildings it has retained its original red brick and terracotta features, 20^th century cement based repairs have caused them to deteriorate and the building is currently in need of structural repairs and careful consolidation to restore its good looks once more!  

Following a first phase of conservation repair works prompted by the fall of masonry to the ground, this second phase will now focus on the ground and first floors of the west elevation.  This will include attention to the wrought iron handrails and railings, and re-dressing leadwork, alongside replacement of the excessively decayed decorative brickwork following essential structural repairs to the window heads.  

We initially completed a condition survey of the elevation to enable us to fully understand the situation and consider an appropriate approach to solving the problems faced by the Management Company. We then prepared detailed drawings of the existing elevations and the proposed works to submit with the planning application.

Like-for-like casting of the decorative bricks would have attracted a six figure cost and taken over a year to complete, so drawing on our experience of similar conservation repair works at Brighton’s Chapel Royal in 2012, we proposed that the units required to form the first floor window frieze will be moulded, cast and fired by hand in terracotta.   By granting consent, the local authority clearly agreed that this is an appropriate conservation-led design response.

The Chapel Royal, Brighton

The end result will restore both stability and decorative detail to the west elevation of this historic building, respecting its integrity as well as the wider Conservation Area.

Further information about the conservation repair project at The Chapel Royal can be found here.

Some of our other conservation projects can be found here.

If you have a project you would like to discuss, please contact us.

Located in the centre of the West Sussex Weald village, Holy Trinity dates as far back as 1527 when the will of the vicar of Kirdford included reference to a chapel.  The Chapel of St Thomas is later recorded as being a Chapel of Ease for the Kirdford parish.

Taken from the Sharpe Collection, an 1805 artists impression of the half-timbered St Thomas’ Church.

Following a fire in 1850, St Thomas’ Chapel was replaced by a Victorian church dedicated to the Holy Trinity which stands today, designed by architect, surveyor and builder Joseph Butler who supervised the restoration of Chichester Cathedral in 1846.  The church continues to serve as a Chapel of Ease to St John the Baptist in Kirdford.

The exterior of Holy Trinity taken in August 1943. Photograph taken from the general photograph collection at West Sussex Record Office – reference no. PH5782

Holy Trinity is seen as a focal point in Plaistow. The annexe and improvements to the building will widen local community benefits to the village and its residents, alongside its primary function as a place of worship.  Once constructed, a tea point/servery offering refreshments, accessible WC and storage will extend the church’s use for both worshippers and the wider community, ranging from the parents of children who attend the adjacent school to self-help groups, as well as functioning as a venue for concerts.  It is hoped the church will offer a welcome to people of all beliefs, who might need a place to seek refuge and support.

A request for pre-application advice was submitted to Chichester District Council in 2024 and the scheme was reworked taking into consideration comments made by the Conservation and Design Officer.  

The design for the annexe has made clever use of a window at the west end of the nave to form an accessible entrance from the church into the new extension, via a lobby.  The existing stained glass panel will be repaired and relocated to the adjacent window.

Diagram of the proposed lobby and annexe

Zinc cladding and roofing will be used for the linking structure between the church’s existing walls and the new annexe to allow for a lightweight connection which minimises impact to the historic fabric.  This will also create a clear definition between the old and new. 

Concept 3D view of the west elevation of Holy Trinity, Plaistow, with the new annexe on the north side

Holy Trinity Church’s underlying function as a place of worship has remained a priority throughout the process and we are delighted to have received this consent for an annexe which achieves this, while providing the much-needed new facilities. 

Details of other church projects can be seen here.

If you would like to discuss a project for your church, or any other project, please Contact us.

A condition survey of a building or structure will generally include a schedule of priorities and recommendations for repair, with a view to conservation rather than restoration.

Once the survey has been completed, the most suitable approaches to conservation repair of the building or structure will be considered.

Furnished with this information, a cost analysis, specification of works and drawings can be produced, to form part of a tender package and potentially an application to the local authority for Listed Building Consent.

^{Platforms at Singleton Station, overgrown with vegetation}

In late 2022, we were approached by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to undertake such condition surveys of the former station platform and goods warehouse at Singleton Station, and to provide a repair schedule for each.

The station and associated buildings at Singleton, first opened in July 1881, provided access from the Chichester line to the south, connecting up with Midhurst to the north, in hope that passengers would flock to Goodwood Racecourse. Although racegoers favoured Chichester station over Singleton, Edward VII as Prince of Wales was a frequent visitor, travelling there by royal train either for racing at Goodwood or to stay at West Dean Park with the James family.

^{Historic image of staff at the Station in the early twentieth century (Source: Forgotten Singleton, The Southern Way Issue No 16).}

The station closed in 1953, with its final use being transport for school children to Chichester and as freight transport of timber and sugar beet from local farms. Since its closure, the station and platform site have been used as a vineyard and winery, as well as vehicle repair business and scrap yard. By the early 1970s, however, the platforms at the station were becoming derelict, with vegetation taking hold and causing the structures to deteriorate.

^{The condition of the station platforms before conservation repair works and rebuilding}

Initial preparation for the project to arrest the deterioration required coordination with a measured survey company to obtain clear scans of the building structures, to provide plans and rectified photographic elevations which would be used for marking up the findings from the condition survey.

^{Extract from the condition survey of the platforms}

Further coordination with structural engineer and quantity surveyor, both well versed in traditional building techniques, allowed for a comprehensive condition and repair schedule to be in included in the report on the structures.  

The repair schedules were based on three levels of priority: urgent repairs to prevent collapse and risk to public safety, necessaryrepairs to prevent the structures from further deterioration, and desirable works to enhance and restore the buildings to their former glory.  This would enable the client to obtain budget costings for developing a strategy to carry out the repair works and raise money for the restoration.

Following completion of the condition survey and then addressing the urgent and necessary repairs, we provided the client with assistance for the next phase of works to rebuild elements of the station, which would enable public access and interpretation of its former layout, structures and use.

^{The area cleared for the works to commence}

Having received planning and Listed Building consents towards the end of 2024, the conservation repair project started in February 2025.  The scope of works included consolidation repairs to the former north and south platforms, installation of two timber station signs, making safe the dangerous underpasses while leaving them open for maintenance, and repairs to the face of the station retaining wall.

Just over five months later, the site has been transformed with the former platforms now reinstated and station signs and furniture installed.  The path between the platforms forms part of a 2 km extension to the Centurion Way, designed to maximise accessibility for users.  Information boards illustrate the history of the railway and station, and signage has also been installed to point visitors to nearby West Dean Gardens, Singleton village and the Weald and Downland Living Museum.

^{Information board at Singleton Station}

^{Signpost on The Centurion Way}

The Centurion Way is a 13km path which follows the former Chichester to Midhurst railway line, via Lavant and West Dean.  The opening to the public of this new section of the path to Cucumber Farm in Singleton was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex, Simon Knight and Chair of the National Park Authority, Vanessa Rowlands, and attended by project partners and stakeholders.  A group of cyclists was also invited to follow the Centurion Way from Chichester to mark the occasion.

^{Ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the new section of The Centurion Way}

As a conservation architects we are delighted to have been involved with this project from the outset, particularly to see the initial condition survey lead to this successful conclusion.  We are continuing to work with the client as they turn to the goods warehouse, with aspirations to repair the building to service the West Dean Estate and local community as well as benefit the users of Centurion Way.

The opening of the new section was reported by the South Downs National Park Authority and BBC News.

More of our Conservation projects can be viewed here.

If you would like to speak to us about a condition survey or conservation repair project, please contact us.

A lighting design was developed to subtly enhance the façade by highlighting architectural features such as the Corinthian columns and decorative label tops over the central doorways, as well as illuminating the basement wells. 

With the consents in place, we provided technical support while John Carpenter Electrical Ltd installed the fittings, which now wash the elevations with soft light, giving the buildings an inviting appearance during the evening, while improving accessibility and security for the properties’ users.  

To protect the historic interest of the grade II* listed building and the character of the surrounding Belgravia Conservation Area, the new works were required to match the existing original work in terms of materials, method of construction and finished appearance. With this approach to the design and detailing, the end result is the sensitive introduction of modern technology to this heritage asset.

If you would like to discuss a potential residential or conservation project, please contact us.

Towards the end of June, St Botolph’s church in Hardham played host to representatives from Historic England, the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Church of England who met with dedicated local churchwardens and Julian Vallis as their inspecting architect, in support with the Diocese of Chichester. 

The meeting of minds was to see firsthand the issues facing St Botolph’s.  The 11^th century church which lies south of Pulborough faces challenges that risk not only the beautiful exterior (which has examples of Roman brickwork) but the magnificent interior, home to the impressive 900-year old medieval frescos that are part of the Lewes Group.

In 2024 the church was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and efforts are now underway to better understand the condition and environment, with hopes that a major conservation project might be undertaken with research opportunities closely linked. 

The future for St Botolph’s is looking bright but further help will be needed to protect its future legacy, and the parish is currently exploring how it can involve the community in protecting Hardham’s heritage.  We look forward to continuing to support them on this journey.

Our thanks to Daniel Lee , Church Buildings Support Officer at Chichester Diocese, for providing the copy for inclusion in this post.

More of our ecclesiastical projects can be viewed here.

If you would like to discuss a church project, or any other project, please contact us.

Directors Julian Vallis and Laurence Hall attended the luncheon and awards ceremony on 2 July at the American Express Stadium and were delighted to each receive recognition for theirs and the team’s work, as well as the much-coveted slate plaques presented by Lord Egremont.

Photo credit: Love Heart Photograph

Our project at St Peter’s Well, Lodsworth was a winner in the ‘Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension’ category, which recognises ‘a restoration and/or conversion of one unit.  This can include a new building extension/improvements on a listed property, where restoration has taken place’.

This sensitive renovation and extension of a grade II listed 17^th century former house and malthouse transforms a neglected historic structure into a comfortable, breathable family home.  Conservation-led repairs using traditional materials were paired with thoughtful modern upgrades, including a limecrete floor, wood fibre insulation and a Bluetooth-enabled smart lighting system.  A contemporary glazed link connects the new family room to the main house, referencing the site’s malthouse history while addressing planning constraints and challenging topography through careful massing and detailing.

On visiting our project, the judges said:

“Every aspect of this historic refurbishment and rear addition has been carefully thought through with the end resulting in a beautiful house embracing original materials and craftmanship with a wonderfully landscaped garden.”

Our conservation repair project at St George’s Church in Kemptown, Brighton where we are the Inspecting Architect saw another win in the Ecclesiastical Building category, which acknowledges ‘a restoration, repair, conversion or development scheme, which improves all, or part of an existing or former ecclesiastical building’.

The restoration of St George’s Church, a grade II listed building, focused on internal redecoration, structural repairs and refinishing to preserve its heritage and support continued worship and community use.  Works included plaster and joinery repairs, parquet floor restoration and minor roof maintenance, all carried out using traditional materials.   A phased approach ensured the church remained operational throughout, while sustainable practices enhanced energy efficiency and protected the building’s fabric and surrounding biodiversity.

Photo credit: DBR Limited

We have a longstanding client relationship with the parish and St George’s and for this project worked closely with DBR Limited building restoration services and Davies Floor Limited to prepare the church for its bicentennial celebrations (click here to read our previous News article).

The judges commented:

“A beautifully executed restoration of the interior of an outstanding Regency church. The parquet flooring was carefully restored and all interior walls and other surfaces repainted to match original colour. Richly deserves an Award.”

We are very proud and grateful to the Sussex Heritage Trust for these awards, and to our team for all their hard work on the projects.

If you would like to discuss your conservation (or any other) project, please contact us.

Some of our other conservation and ecclesiastical projects can be viewed on our Project pages.

The physical building works have focused on the conservation repair of the internal fabric that had been damaged by long-term water and moisture ingress.  Primarily this included repair of damaged historic plasterwork, after which the walls and galleries within the worship space and the entrance lobbies were redecorated.  Following the redecoration, the parquet floor in the nave, aisles and narthex, which had also suffered from water ingress and wear and tear generally, was refinished by DBR (London) Ltd and Davies Floor Ltd.

The Parish elected to keep the church open during the works, maintaining it as a place of worship on all but one Sunday when they needed to relocate to community centre room.

As well as assisting with the building project, Julian Vallis from the practice has aided the Parish with their bid for National Lottery Heritage funding to a provide vital contribution to the project.  This included Julian presenting three heritage workshops held at the church. The first focused on “Historic building conservation and techniques”, discussing how issues such as damage to lime plaster and Roman cement are being tackled and the necessary repairs carried out at the church.  The second considered “Heritage buildings and sustainability” looking specifically at St George’s and how they are working to lower operational carbon, such as with the introduction of solar PV panels.  Lastly the third workshop, entitled “Glass, lead and light”, presented a short history of stained glass before describing how the leaded light windows at St George’s had been rebuilt during an earlier project, also supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Following completion of the building conservation works, activities to mark 200 years of community use of the church have taken place, acknowledging the building’s heritage.  This included a series of period-themed concerts, a heritage cinema club season, an open day, and a service of thanksgiving. 

During the open day, Julian also gave a presentation describing the work completed at the church with the help of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the work left to do.

The newly renovated church was visited on 27 March 2025 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, during which he spoke to people involved in community life associated with the church and who had played a role in the bicentennial celebrations.

It has been a pleasure working with the church and playing our part in their festivities this year.

The full report of the bicentennial celebrations included in the spring/summer 2025 edition of ‘Faith in Sussex’ can be viewed here.

If you would like to discuss a conservation repair project, please contact us.

More of our conservation projects can be found here.

The Sussex Snowdrop Trust is the local children’s charity, which provides vital nursing care at home for children who have a life-threatening illness such as, cancer, brain tumours, lung and heart conditions. The paediatric community nurses help parents care for their sick child. They advise them on how to administer medications, manage gastric tubes, change dressings or give support when needed, following diagnosis.  Emotional support is available for all members of the family with experienced Counsellors. Financial help is given to families who find it difficult to cope with the extra cost pressures.

The Trust must raise £400k to provide this vital Team who are there for families who are on the ‘Snowdrop’ pathway, who live within a 15-mile radius of Chichester.  Most recently, the Trust was asked to fund an additional nurse at Fordwater School in Chichester.  This is a school that caters for children who have complex educational and medical needs.  21 ‘ Snowdrop’ children attend this school, and this extra nurse has had a positive impact in this school community.

No government funds are received to provide this vital support, and the Trust is grateful to the community, businesses, schools and Trusts/Foundations for their contribution.

For more information about The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, please visit their website. You can also find out more about their activities in their newsletter.

Charity Reg No: 1096622

Thank you to Lucy Ashworth, Fundraising, Marketing & Events Manager at the Trust, for her help in compiling this article.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas.

The striking church dates from the 1960s and is formed by a steel frame on concrete raft.  The building has large, ‘A-shaped’ windows on all four elevations which although repaired and repainted over the years, are now in a poor condition.

The Renewal Project involves replacement of windows, construction of a new link building between the church and hall, rearrangement of the existing facilities and the addition of a new utility annexe, and installation of underfloor heating.  Alongside this, the possibilities for renewable energy to improve the thermal efficiency of the building will be investigated.

Further details of the project are available on the church’s website.

Information on other ecclesiastical projects we have been involved in are available here.

If you have a project you would like to discuss, please contact us.