We are delighted to receive our latest planning approval for the proposed conservation repair works to an 18th century building in the Valley Gardens Conservation Area of Brighton. The building stands at the end of a terrace of townhouse-style individual period properties, the majority of which are heritage listed.
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, 20th 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.