LIMESTONE CHERUB

Part of an extensive programme of cleaning and conserving the whole of the exterior of the London Oratory.

All proposals for cleaning buildings must be carefully thought through to ensure the most appropriate conservative methods are used.

In this case cleaning the Portland stone with wet abrasive proved to be the best method.

ARUNDEL CASTLE, WEST SUSSEX

The seat of the Duke of Norfolk.

Works include quinquennial inspection reports, repairs, fire compartmentation, new landscaping, new gates, the design of internal fittings and fixings, new lighting and the repair and conservation of an early cast iron greenhouse.

There is an innovative programme currently underway to control internal salt crystallation by means of humidity and temperature control.

PRIVATE HOUSE, SOUTHWARK, LONDON

A fine late Georgian House rescued from a wreck and made structurally sound.

Prior to commencencing the project the doorcase had been stolen and was recreated from the outline left on the wall.

The practice firmly believes that Classical and traditional architecture affords a sustainable and environmentally sensitive approach to construction.

Our design methods are grounded in common sense and a receptiveness to new technologies.

At the core of our environmental philosophy is the belief that the energy involved in construction, in consumption and embodied in the lifespan of the building must all be taken into account.

MEWS HOUSE, LONDON

This house has been built to last, using a variety of durable materials that weather well and require minimal maintenance.

The walls easily exceed current standards for insulation. Built of brick, the appearance of the building will improve with age. The use of lime mortar, as opposed to cement means the bricks could easily be recycled in the future.

The underfloor heating system provides greater efficiency in energy consumption as compared to a conventional radiator system by utilising the thermal mass of the construction.

The bespoke double glazed sash windows allow natural daylight to flood the interior. These windows may be opened to provide just the right amount of natural ventilation for ambient comfort.

Recycled water is used to irrigate the garden.

This small building has floor, roof and walls insulated far in excess of the Building Regulations standards. Facing South is a green oak portico, the oak sourced from sustainable stocks. The portico is designed to allow the maximum solar gain from the low Winter sun, but to provide shading from the high Summer sun.

If desired, the glazed doors can be completely folded back, allowing the the Summer house and garden to become one.

These passive controls are augmented by underfloor heating which efficiently utilises the building's thermal mass. The energy input from external sources required to sustain a year-round habitable temperature is minimal.