Conservation
Shaping the Future. Preserving the Past.
About Ayesa
Over the past 57 years, Ayesa’s multidisciplinary teams have successfully delivered significant large-scale projects worldwide while staying true to their guiding principles of “making it happen”. Today, the company is a global provider of technology and engineering services, specializing in over 70 disciplines and with an active presence in 40+ countries.
Ayesa’s expansion into various sectors and geographic locations has played a significant role in its growth, ultimately leading to its position as one of the 50 largest engineering firms globally and one of the top five Spanish IT companies.
In 2024, the company comprises over 12,500 specialized professionals united in the shared goal of developing solutions that foster a new, improved, sustainable and digitally-oriented world.
We create intelligent solutions that deliver higher performance for clients, shareholders, employees, and communities.
Buildings
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// Residential
// Office & Commercial
// Public
// Leisure
// Education
// Health
// Temporary Works
// Conservation
Conservation
// Places Of Worship
// Residential Heritage
// Commercial Heritage
// Estates & Country Homes
// Scheduled Monuments
// Heritage Surveys & Asset Protection
Geoscience
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// Urban Geotechnics
// Infrastructure Geotechnics
// Engineering Geology
// Underground Space
// Site Investigation
// Land Quality & Regeneration
// Surface Water & Groundwater
Risk Assessments
Flooding
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// Flood Risk Assessment (Fra) & Management Plans
// Flood Risk Schemes (Frs)
// Catchment Area Planning & Hazard Mapping
// Flood Resilience Planning
// Hydraulics, Hydrology & Hydromorphology
Energy
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// Renewable Energy
// Energy Generation
// Energy Efficiency
// Transmission & Distribution
Marine & Coastal
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// Ports & Harbours
// Coastal Engineering
// Coastal Modelling
// Marinas & Waterfronts
// Planning & Licensing
// Terminals & Facilities
Water
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// Water Supply
// Wastewater
// Drainage Networks
// Tunnelling & Conveyance
// Plant Optimisation & Resilience
// Resource Management
Environment
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// Sustainability
// Environmental Impact Assessment, Planning & Permitting
// Modelling, Monitoring & Compliance
// Ecology & Biodiversity
// Climate Resilience
// Hazard Mapping, Risk Assessment & Due Diligence
Waste Management
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// Waste Facility Permitting & Licensing
// Waste Facility Design
// Construction Support
Our Approach
Lasting Positive Impacts
We offer the highest standards of design, project management and stakeholder collaboration to realise optimum project solutions. Our engineering consultants are among the very best in their fields. Continuous involvement in challenging projects maintains and enhances our high standards of technical excellence.
People Centric
We invest in our staff to deliver a positive, enriching, safe and empowering work experience at Ayesa. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion to provide a place where everyone can thrive. We invest significantly in training and development to keep our staff at the cutting edge of their industry. Our focus is on positively influencing those SDGs most applicable to us in our role as a leading engineering consultant. Everything from CO2 emissions, water reduction, social value, health and wellbeing, community engagement, apprenticeships, and safe working.
An End-to End Partner
Our company is built on relationships and superior client care. We deliver on our unwavering commitment to assist our clients in achieving their desired results. We are agile and responsive and build a collaborative framework across stakeholders for project success.
Bridging the Gap
We are seasoned in managing projects and supervising construction phases of projects across the project lifecycle. We help clients “bridge the gap” across all relevant stakeholders within a project. We seek to understand the needs, constraints, opportunities and to optimise solutions.
Utilising Relationships
Getting a project off to the right start and mitigating any delays helps to keep costs down - Our team has forged close working relationships with environmental authorities and regulators throughout the regions we operate in, enabling us to expeditiously progress projects through the permitting, construction, verification and site closure.
Innovation and Sustainability
We offer innovation with a deep understanding of environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability, waste to energy, renewables to deliver maximum value to clients.
Proven Track Record
We have extensive experience across a broad range of sectors. We currently sit on a number of frameworks, such as Irish Water, Port of Cork, Oil and Pipeline Agency, Waterways Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, Irish Rail, Fusion 21 and Translink.
Client Focused
Our culture focuses on developing strong working relationships with clients who continue to work with us based on the value we provide. Our clients are in both the public and private sector and range from major companies and national regulatory organisations to smaller regional organisations providing optimum solutions for significant infrastructure projects and local sites.
Technical Excellence
We keep our clients informed of the implications of legislative changes to their businesses and manage stakeholder engagement to help progress projects in a profitable yet environmentally compliant manner. Our proactive approach helps you to benefit from our expertise in a constantly changing regulatory environment.
Multi-Disciplinary Safety First
We advance safety, applying rigorous processes that manage technical, environmental and social risks and hold ISO 45001:2018 – the internationally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
We provide engineering and design consultancy services across ten sectors: marine and coastal, geoscience, buildings, transportation, energy, environment, water, flooding, waste management, and conservation.
Sector: Conservation
Passion And Experience
Our dedicated team, consisting of some of the most pre-eminent conservation experts, specialise in historic and listed building restoration, development and conservation.
Clients Benefit from our Deep Understanding of Conservation
Buildings that have been altered and repaired over hundreds of years do not give up their secrets lightly. Our skill, intensive research, experience, attention to detail and dedication translate into exceptional project delivery. Projects benefit from our extensive knowledge of architectural history, traditional building materials and repair techniques combined with modern technologies. We are seasoned at tackling complex and complicated projects.
Our Diverse Portfolio
Our extensive portfolio includes Pensons Restaurant at The Netherwood Estate, which opened early in 2019 as a Michelin star restaurant. Ayesa has worked on Cornwall Terrace, which overlooks Regent’s Park and 33 Portland Place - one of the finest examples of a Robert Adam designed townhouse. Other references include our work on 900-year-old St. Barts hospital, the stabilisation of the East Lodge building at Nunhead Cemetery and the conservation of a Martello Tower and other defence emplacements along the Northern Ireland coastline. Our teams also specialise in assessing, restoring, and refurbishing historic barns and other neglected buildings countrywide.
SPAB Approach
Our approach is deeply rooted in the principles of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), emphasizing conservative repair and the retention of existing structures whenever possible, with new additions only introduced when appropriate. This philosophy is evident in our projects, where we conduct thorough research to understand the construction, previous alterations, and any adverse effects from past usage. Through meticulous visual inspections and targeted exploratory works, we investigate the structural fabric.
We believe in a pragmatic approach that combines engineering expertise, experience, and attention to detail, while respecting the historic fabric and ensuring commercial viability. By embracing conservation principles and a proactive mindset, we have successfully revitalized numerous landmark historic buildings and sites. Our multidisciplinary team offers a holistic perspective, and we are passionate about preserving heritage. Whether through asset protection, adaptive reuse, or redevelopment, including post-fire recovery like the iconic Primark Bank Buildings in Belfast, we aim to help heritage assets preserve their past and shape their future.
Another example of our work includes extensive surveying for the HS2 Crossrail project, assessing the impact of tunnelling on 170 Listed Buildings and 80 Listed Monuments within the “1mm settlement corridor” of the line. Our scope extended beyond evaluating structural robustness, as we delved into the protection and mitigation of historic features, recommending appropriate measures to safeguard their integrity.
Part of the National Trust Associate Model Appointed as one of four preferred consultants
Jeremy Foster, Technical Director of Ayesa “We are delighted to be collaborating with The National Trust providing engineering support to the protection and celebration of places we all treasure. Cherishing heritage is part of our DNA at Ayesa, and we recognise the interconnected and shared love of special places amongst individuals, communities, local agencies, and councils. Everyone has vital inputs to make into their future. This is a shared journey as we work together to conserve our precious heritage.”
Sub-sectors Services
“We have experience in all aspects of structural engineering.
Heritage is our passion, attending to listed buildings, and working closely with clients on the most sensitive of projects with a focus on true sustainability.”
Jeremy Foster, Technical Director
Specialist Expertise
Conservation Engineers - finding opportunity in complexities
At Ayesa, we have a deep-seated appreciation of conservation complexities. This understanding extends beyond technical considerations and best practices into other specialist subjects, positively impacting outcomes and projects. Our knowledge of legislation, cultural protection, and our experience and existing relationships with Conservation Officers, Diocesan Advisory Committees, party wall surveyors, and many stakeholders allow effective risk mitigation and conflict resolution. Our team of expert advisors will unlock potential and resolve issues effectively to ensure project success.
Strategic planning advice
Working alongside the conservation architect, we identify the heritage significance through meticulous on-site investigation and interrogation of record information. Understanding the building, its provenance, inherent strengths and challenges enable us to formulate the most appropriate strategy. Our knowledge of how important buildings are to cultures and communities provides a holistic conservation engineering approach, developing sympathetic solutions which respect the environment and the conflicting needs of stakeholders. Ultimately this treatment of heritage assets, appropriate to its environment and users, ensures that the building has a sustainable future and a special place in society for years to come. Heritage assets connect our communities and offer a postcard to the future by providing that essential connection to the past.
Expert witness and party wall issues
Legal cases involving property are often intricate and complex, requiring collaboration between lawyers, stakeholders, building owners, Party Wall Surveyors and SMEs (Subject Matter Experts). With several conservation-accredited engineers, our knowledge and of structural heritage in the context of disputes ensures superior outcomes. We have provided structural expert opinions in numerous cases, allowing clarity and ease of understanding on the legal position/disposition of the physical asset. Whilst we are not Party Wall Surveyors, we have vast experience working alongside and advising Party Wall Surveyors and are well versed in the Party Wall etc. Act of 1996.
Fire damage and forensic engineering
Our experts have expert knowledge of the mechanisms of collapse and building degradation in respect of materials and building construction. This expertise is vital when addressing heritage structures, whether intact or in the wake of a catastrophic event, developing appropriate remedial solutions to maximise salvage and reuse, and mitigating risks. Our portfolio of work and our reputation have resulted in projects throughout the UK and internationally in Ireland and the Middle East.
BIM Capability
Integration of our BIM expertise across projects can help benefit design, programme and cost controls.
Places of Worship
Sustainable Futures for Cherished Places of Worship
Our conservation team has contributed significantly to the conservation, protection and adaptation of internationally acclaimed places of worship. Highlights from our portfolio include the Grade I listed St George’s Church in Bloomsbury, St Lawrence’s Church in Mereworth, St George’s Church in Hanover Square and the Grade II* St. Patricks Church in Soho London.
Services provided include:
● Full civil engineering design and structural engineering
● Reordering and refurbishment
● New developments
● Stabilisation and strengthening
● Impact and structural assessments
● Forensic engineering and fire damage
● Specialised conservation techniques
We have partnered with leading architects to offer a holistic approach, combining sympathetic refurbishment with innovative design. Our team can help our clients make the right decisions such as increasing comfort and space, introducing energy-saving measures, or adding necessary modernising features, such as disabled access or traffic studies. We also help repurpose and redevelop places of worship to facilitate community gathering, charity work, cafes and events.
Adding value and innovation with honed expertise
We take pride in making that difference to projects - such as our work on Ettington Park Chapel in Warwickshire, a 13th century, Grade I ruin. Our final solution stabilised the structure, reduced risks and added visually to its appearance, which will improve over time. A significantly out of vertical wall represented a significant risk to the 800-year old structure. Working with the architect, our conservation team proposed a remotely placed pad and a raking strut in Corten steel which would seamlessly blend in with the adjacent trees and foliage inspired by the tree walkway in Kew Gardens by Marks Barfield Architects.
St George’s, Hanover Square, London, UK
St James, Sussex Gardens, London, UK
St Peters, Peterchurch, Hereford, UK (grade II*)
St George’s, Hanover Square
Overview
St. George’s Hanover Square is a splendid Grade I church, which was built between 1721-1724 to the designs of John James, as one of the fifty churches built by Queen Anne’s Act of 1711. St George’s follows Wren’s ideal plan for Anglican churches, where visibility and audibility were supremely important, with a spacious nave with aisles, above which are carried galleries on three sides. The structure of the church has remained, but the furnishings have been much modified.
Our Role
Ayesa have been involved in multiple works on St Georges, Hanover Square, on repairs and improvements to the interior. Working alongside Molyneux Kerr, the Ayesa team initially provided conservation engineering advice on the Church, carrying out condition surveys of the roof and ceiling timbers and advising on discreet strengthening remediation works. Fractures in the north wall were also repaired.
Subsequently, Ayesa were appointed to produce working drawings and details for a new access to the original undercroft. Excavating the strip of land between the church and the adjoining buildings, allowed for the development and creation of a new part basement, a lift shaft and a new lobby entrance all within the required space. An original stone stair was re-arranged with a doorway opened at mid-height.
Innovation / Value Add
Our long and detailed experience of Georgian churches meant that we were well placed to provide informed, sensitive, and straightforward advice on the repairs and alterations to this prestige historic asset, and are delighted that that St George’s Hanover Square is the third such project to receive the Georgian Group Award for work to a Georgian church.
St George’s Bloomsbury
Overview
St George’s Bloomsbury is one of the twelve churches designed under the 1711 Act of Parliament for building Fifty New Churches, and was the sixth and final London church designed by the leading architect of the English Baroque, Nicholas Hawksmoor. The church was built between 1716 and 1731, but has been much altered over the years. Laid out on the traditional eastwest axis, on a very congested site to a novel and complex floor plan, the orientation was changed to north-south as early as 1780.
Our Role
The condition of St George’s Church deteriorated over the years and Ayesa London was appointed the conservation project. The works included repairing the stonework inside and out, returning the undercroft to full use and reordering the church to east-west. The roof was fully repaired and recovered. Ayesa completely re-organised the building services to incorporate a plant room in an available but otherwise unused space in the tower. This project has won numerous awards for architecture, conservation and craftsmanship.
Innovation / Value Add
Our extensive experience of Georgian buildings enabled us to make an authorative assessment of the structure, devise sensitive conservation repairs and assist the sculptor in the replacement of the heraldic beasts removed in 1886.
Location: London
Country: UK
Capital Value: Undisclosed
Client: PCC of St George’s Bloomsbury World Monument Fund in Britain
Awards:
Wood Awards 2008 - Best use of British Timber RICS Awards 2008 - Craftsmanship in Conservation
Natural Stone Craft Awards 2007 - Monuments and Carving
Georgian Group Architectural Awards 2006 - Restoration of a Georgian Church
The Natural Stone Awards 2006 - Craftsmanship
St James’, Sussex Gardens
Overview
The first St. James’ church was consecrated in 1843 but was replaced in the early 1880s when the congregation exceeded its capacity. The current Grade II* listed Gothic Style church building was designed by the architect G. E. Street and opened in 1882.
Owing to the lack of space, Street turned the church completely around, so that the liturgical east-end became the geographical west-end and constructed the new church over and around the existing one. Brick barrel crypts had been laid underneath the original church and were broken thorough in the 1880s to install foundations for columns supporting the new structure above.
Our Role
In this modern redevelopment, Ayesa provided a structural scheme to convert the narrow chambers of the crypt to an open plan area for a day nursery and Community Hall. This required the removal of all of the brick walls supporting the vaulted crypt roof and replacing the support they offered with a completely new structural layout.
This project required rigorous investigation into the load paths of the supporting members of the church. Ayesa’s design employed steel cradles hung from reinforced concrete beams cast in the floor above and provided a sequence of works to ensure the structural integrity of this magnificent building while the work was carried out.
Innovation / Value Add
Experience of vaulted structures and Victorian architecture enabled a perceptive solution for removal of the supporting walls in the undercroft.
Residential Heritage
The Conservation and Restoration of Heritage Homes for Present Day Living
Our experts have extensive experience in residential projects varying from large-scale, complex, multi-occupancy, new developments to one-off domestic residences and major extension works. Our teams have developed expert knowledge in the care, repair and adaptation of historic residential buildings and designing new buildings at historically sensitive sites.
Whether designing purpose-built dwellings or adapting existing buildings to accommodate domestic life, we balance historical preservation with sensitive adaptation to deliver beautiful homes that cherish classical design and embrace modern-day living. Our pragmatic approach to design means every project must proceed in accordance with its particular set of requirements and imperatives. When working on listed buildings or conservation areas, we aim to respect and retain historical features and supplement them with contemporary interventions, where appropriate.
Our team understand the challenges of maximising the potential of heritage residential while working within the tight constraints of an urban environment. We have designed many new basements and roof expansions above and below for fine historic homes in Kensington & Chelsea, Mayfair, Belgravia, Fitzrovia, Westminster and other prominent locations.
Queen Annes Gate, London,
Hampstead Residence, London, UK
14 Church Street, Hereford, UK
Paynes Hay Farm, Braishfield
Overview
The Paynes Hay Farm project entailed the conservation and re-purposing of this Grade II listed early 18th century farmstead, into a highend domestic residence.
The complex includes the refurbishment of the Dairy Annex and Coach House into ancillary living areas, adjoining a new build four-bedroom cottage. The historic staddle stone granary has been transformed into a new children’s playroom with retention of all historic features. The pigsty, bull pen and open sided barn have been repurposed into a carport and bat loft. The coach house and hayloft have been partially rebuilt, and a swimming pool added, all the while maintaining the original features and rebuilding in traditional Green Oak framework and weatherboard cladding.
The farmhouse was suffering with inappropriate alterations and lack of maintenance. This has now been stabilised and repaired using traditional techniques and matched materials.
Our Role
Ayesa provided conservation, civil and structural engineering designs. The Dairy Annex and Coach House were repurposed into additional living areas with a swimming pool. The historic granary was converted into a new children’s playroom, the development sympathetically retained all historic features.
Innovation / Value Add
Our team focused on traditional detailing and extensive investigations to maximize the historic fabric and character of the farmstead, while affording and alternative sustainable future. by leading construction with the use of matched materials and techniques, we not only implemented best practices, but also reduced the embodied energy of the project and minimized the carbon footprint
The King’s Chapel, Sloane Building
Overview
Ayesa London were appointed as the Consulting Structural Engineers, for the redevelopment and conversion of this grade II listed Chapel into two high specification residential properties. The King’s Chapel was built in 1841 and is located on Fulham Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Our Role
Our Ayesa team in London provided Structural engineering advice on the works. This included the addition of an external glass ‘Conservatory’ construction and excavation works for the creation of two separate swimming pools, one at basement level and one at ground level. Along with ‘Plant Rooms’ and ‘Residential Accommodation’ for each of the residential units. Internally, new steel framing achieved 10 metres clear spans for the floors was built inside the shell of the chapel to form the upper level accommodation.
Location: London
Country: UK
Capital Value: Undisclosed
Client: Undisclosed
Cornwall Gardens
Overview
Constructed between 1863-1877, this Grade II listed six-storey terraced building located in Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington includes a basement and mansard. The brief awarded to Ayesa was to divide the property into six high specification flats with lift access. The aim of the scheme was to develop the property to its highest potential in terms of floor space and finish quality to enhance the revenue of the property.
Our Role
The scope of works included replacing the existing shallow mansard with a new steel framed mansard, creating a large open plan fifth floor space with access via a large electronic rooflight to a roof terrace over. The existing reinforced concrete staircase between ground and first was refigured to accommodate additional space under. New open plan spaces throughout the property required detailed design, most notably within the basement under a traditional brick arched entranceway. Repairs including the levelling of floors, improvement of timber joist bearings, provision of noggins and some general brickwork repairs.
Innovation / Value Add
A new lift shaft was designed to be independent from the floor structure to minimise vibration impacts, thus preserving the structural integrity of the building.
Commercial Heritage
Repair, Adapt and Repurpose Heritage for Business and Commercial Use
Well restored heritage buildings are highly desired as business, leisure, entertainment or retail premises as they provide instant character and prestige. Our teams offer innovative and bespoke solutions, repairing, adapting and optimising historically sensitive assets, creating remarkable buildings for our clients, ranging from developers, architects, public and local authorities, frameworks to private individuals.
Our Conservation Engineering consultants specialise in all aspects of historical and commercial building maintenance and repair. Our knowledge of national planning and heritage conservation policies combined with conservation principles and fresh thinking has unlocked the potential of numerous historic buildings and sites. We have repurposed heritage buildings such as disused industrial spaces, warehouses, mills and farm/out-house buildings.
Our heritage specialists can tackle projects holistically by drawing on our in-house structural engineering, risk and impact assessment and temporary works and BIM teams to provide comprehensive structural engineering advice under one roof. At Langley Park House, we provided complete structural engineering and conservation design to transform a Grade II listed house and estate into a luxury 5-star hotel resort, including a new below-ground spa space.
Historic buildings benefit from a pragmatic approach based on experience, research, engineering judgement and attention to detail. We aim to maintain a balance between respect for the historic fabric and the need for commercial viability and modernisation such as solar panels, heat pumps and telecommunications infrastructure. We have extensive knowledge of historical materials and techniques and good working relationships with Historic England, Conservation Officers and amenity societies, which helps supports our clients through all stages of their heritage development.
Quay Place, Ipswich, UK
Pensons, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, UK
Paper Mill Studio, London, UK
Ramsgate Library, Ramsgate, Kent, UK
Quay Place (St Mary’s at Quay Church)
Overview
St. Mary’s at Quay Church is a Grade II* listed building in Ipswich which was built on marshland and left vacant for over 100 years. During this time, the church suffered significant movement and in 1960, massive concrete buttresses were installed to prop the south wall of the nave which had developed significant outward distortion.
The project won the ‘Civic Trust AABC Conservation Award’ in 2018, for a project that demonstrates the highest standards of historic building conservation and makes an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment.
Our Role
Our Ayesa team of conservation experts were appointed by The Churches Conservation Trust for the renewal and repair works to this Grade II listed building.
Phase 1 involved repairs to the existing, but seriously decayed, splendid hammer-beam roof and flint faced rubble stone walls. Phase 2 included sympathetic structural works. allowing the removal of the unsightly concrete buttresses and insertion of a steel framed mezzanine to facilitate its new use by local charity - Suffolk Mind.
Innovation / Value Add
Awards:
The project won the ‘Civic Trust AABC Conservation Award’ in 2018, for demonstrating the highest standards of conservation and making an outstanding contribution to the built environment.
Bank Buildings, Belfast
Overview
Bank Buildings, a Grade B1 Listed structure located in the heart of the city centre, suffered a devastating fire in August 2018. Originally designed and built between 1899 and 1900 by W. H. Lynn as a department store and warehouse, its significance lies in its national, architectural, and historical value, highlighted by its sandstone and granite facade. In 2018, Primark Ltd embarked on a four-year restoration project,culminating in the building’s reopening in November 2022.
Our Role
Ayesa was enlisted by Primark Ltd for its expertise in structural conservation engineering in the immediate aftermath of the fire. The firm’s conservation team, led by our CARE Accredited Engineers, played a pivotal role in the building’s recovery. With the inner structure totally collapsed and the facade left unstable, our team devised methods for safe restraint and early inspections, including the use of shipping containers to shore up the building, which allowed a prompt reopening of the surrounding area to the public. Ayesa conducted inspections, specified testing and investigations, and advised on conservation strategy. Our work ensured that repairs and strengthening works followed a conservation led approach developed in close cooperation with the City Authorities, thus ensuring an swift path to the building’s recovery.
Innovation / Value Add
Ayesa’s expert assessment and innovative solutions significantly contributed to Bank Buildings’ recovery, by demonstrating that much of the historic structure could be retained. This strategy streamlined the approval process and focused on repairs, avoiding a full demolition. Their collaboration with architects and contractors ensured the structural and historical integrity of the building. The project’s success is marked by the preservation of Belfast’s heritage, the creation of 300 jobs, and the revitalization of an important city landmark.
Awards:
Award Winner: AJ Architecture Awards 2023
Award Winner: Fit-out Awards Project of the year 2023
Award Winner: istructe Ireland Conservation project of the year
Finalist: Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2023 - Retail/ Fit-out & Restoration over £30m
Paper Mill Studio
Overview
Ayesa worked with Gresford Architects and Stack London on the renovation and conversion of an Islington warehouse to create a new 450 square metre photography studio, office and living space. The original building contained many interesting and usable features with exposed beams, brickwork and floor joists which were incorporated into the design to create an authentic yet, contemporary design for this workspace. Careful subdivision of the space has also created a private residence in the upper levels of the original Paper Mill building.
Our Role
Our team of experts at Ayesa in London assisted in developing the scheme by introducing complex steel framing to support the existing warehouse across its full width to the rear. This created a large open-plan space and maximised levels of natural light at the lower level. The fantastic new space has received a great deal of interest since its re-opening and has already been used for several exciting new projects.
Innovation / Value Add
Alignment with the architects vision resulted in a structural strategy that produced a harmonious finished product with light and space.
Location: London
Country: UK
Capital Value: Undisclosed
Client: Paper Mill Studio
Bridge House
Overview
Bridge House, a Grade II listed property with a history dating back to the 1800s, is located in an historic area of London, between the south end of London Bridge and Southwark Cathedral. This retrofit project aimed to remove unsuitable modern extensions, introduce additional office space, and streamline the previously haphazard spatial layout. The refurbishment upgraded the building to CAT A and part CAT B standards, enhancing its functionality as a modern commercial space while preserving its classical architecture. The project also expanded the office area by 280m² and showcased sustainable restoration techniques.
Our Role
Ayesa, in collaboration with Emrys Architects, played a crucial role in the refurbishment of Bridge House. The team conducted a comprehensive feasibility study and detailed structural assessments to address the challenges of integrating new designs with the building’s historical elements. Ayesa’s interventions included designing a new steel grillage to support the building’s extended structure, restoring the facade, and implementing high-efficiency systems to reduce the building’s operational carbon footprint. The team’s efforts revitalized public access to the building and the surrounding area, including the UK’s first Roasting Plant Coffee shop.
Innovation / Value Add
Ayesa introduced innovative solutions throughout the project, such as the use of temporary works designs that allowed construction to proceed without disrupting existing telecoms infrastructure, minimising financial impact. The project stands as a prime example of how historic buildings can be sensitively repurposed for modern use while limiting carbon emissions through the strategic use of materials and design practices.
Awards:
BCO awards; This project was the only project that was highly commended in the BCO awards 2023 for refurbishment, recycled with Emrys Architects
Pensons Barn
Overview
Pensons Barn is located in Stoke Bliss, Tenbury Wells. It consists of five barns dating back from the 19th and 20th century, including a typical 20th century post-war “Dutch Barn” steel construction. None of the barns are listed structures. Following a previous inspection, the barns were deemed deteriorated beyond practical use apart from small areas for storage. Ayesa London were involved in developing a scheme to restore the declined structures and introduce new elements to the barns capable of supporting a new commercial role.
Our Role
Our expert engineers at Ayesa in London, provided a structural engineering inspection and advice on the structural aspects of the proposed retention and re-use. The intention of the Netherwood Estate and Communion Architects was to create a series of retail and restaurants around the courtyard, covered by one of the 20th century barns. This 20th century building was substantially removed, all of the older buildings were repaired and re-used. Where appropriate small areas of new building were inserted to improve circulation and provide a sense of enclosure to the courtyard.
Innovation / Value Add
Our unique experience on providing Conservation Engineering planning support to the re-use of redundant farm building helped with the grant of planning permission and our understanding of historic rustic construction benefited the design and construction of repairs and transformation to create a high-end restaurant.
Old Curiosity Shop
Overview
The Old Curiosity Shop, one of the oldest surviving shops in Great Britain, stands near the London School of Economics (LSE) at 13-14 Portsmouth Street. Built from repurposed ship timber, this 16th-century Grade II listed building has endured through the Great Fire of London and WWII Blitz. Its unique Tudor architecture and association with Charles Dickens, who is believed to have been inspired by the shop for his novel “The Old Curiosity Shop,” make it a significant heritage site. In 2018, LSE acquired the building, committing to its restoration as part of the campus expansion.
Our Role
Ayesa was tasked with the conservation and restoration of the deteriorating Old Curiosity Shop. The project focused on structural improvements, timber repairs, waterproofing, and refurbishing to maintain the building’s historical integrity. Collaborating with Heritage England, the City of Westminster Conservation Officer, and specialist contractors, Ayesa supervised the restoration, including matching original timber materials, refurbishing sash windows, and replacing deteriorated roof tiles with historically accurate Keymar tiles.
Innovation / Value Add
The meticulous restoration of the Old Curiosity Shop by Ayesa UK has preserved its historical essence while ensuring structural resilience. This project not only revived an iconic landmark but also strengthened its cultural significance in London’s urban landscape. The shop’s restoration, highlighted by its era-appropriate facade, serves as a bridge between the past and present, celebrating the legacy of Charles Dickens and the shop’s historical narrative. The project’s success lies in its ability to maintain the building’s architectural authenticity while preparing it for future active use, reinforcing the importance of heritage conservation in modern urban development. Following careful paint analysis, a late 19th-century scheme was selected, with intricately matched sign writing by Sykes’ specialist decorators. The repainted front is more appropriate to the era that the building was likely created, with cream plater above a green shop front.
Estates & Country Homes
Preserving Timeless Heritage - Estates and Country Homes
Our award-winning, multi-disciplinary practice has over 50 years experience advising historic building owners, architects, engineers and developers on the conservation and adaptation of heritage buildings and landscapes to international best-practice standards. Our aim is to breathe new life into country homes and estates.
Restoration and regeneration of country homes and estates often present structural challenges and require extensive repair works spanning many different areas, including foundations, walls, historic masonry, stairways, turrets, metal piling, steel frames, ornamental stonework, intricate scaffolding and supporting structures. Our conservation engineering consultants treat each conservation and restoration project individually.
Our project portfolio expresses the artisan services we deliver, defined by detailed research, care and precise attention to detail.
Halton House, Aylesbury, UK
Coombe Place, Lewes, UK
Langley Park House Hotel
Overview
Built in 1755, Langley Park House is a Grade II* listed 18th Century house and estate surrounded by grounds landscaped by Capability Brown. The house was built as a private residence for the third Duke of Marlborough, and remained as a private family residence until the Second World War, during which time the park and buildings were requisitioned for use by the Home Guard and as a billet for Polish soldiers. The recent project has seen the house and estate transformed into a luxury 5-star hotel which features eight treatment rooms, a fitness centre and a restaurant and bar.
Our Role
Ayesa provided full structural engineering and conservation design for this impressive project. We worked with Brookfield Multiplex and Gibberd Architects on the renewal, renovation, and conversion of the building from its most recent use as offices, to a luxury 5-star hotel. The scheme also involved a new below-ground spa facility redesignation of the Grade II Winter Garden as a function venue. The new spa building is completely hidden beneath the car park and landscaping, and connected to the main house and winter gardens below ground.
Innovation / Value Add
Introducing a large below ground spa complex alongside the listed building in proximity to the lake was technically challenging requiring intricate coordination with our temporary works and geotechnical teams. Thorough investigations enabled a complete picture of parameters through the design and construction phases. This minimised the temporary works, allowing a clearer / safer site and reduced impact on the heritage. This co-ordinated approach was extended through consultation with stakeholders allowing our environmental team to address contamination concerns and our water team to mitigate proximity issues with the lake. We pride ourselves in the ability to draw upon not just a range of skillsets but the drive and flexibility to problemsolve outside of the technical parameters.
Scheduled Monuments
Cherishing Heritage
Monuments serve as tangible reminders of history, celebrated for their scarcity, distinctiveness, and authenticity. At Ayesa, we are dedicated to ensuring these treasures endure for future generations. In the UK, a scheduled monument is recognized for its national importance and is safeguardsd against unauthorized alterations.
Our efforts have been crucial in securing the legacy of numerous iconic edifices, locales, and scheduled monuments. For instance, Cleopatra’s Needle in London, a 3500-year-old Grade I listed monument. The City of Westminster engaged Ayesa to evaluate its structural integrity and recommend precise conservation measures to preserve its stability and condition. Similarly, working on the 17th-century (Grade II*) Maltings at Thomas Alleyne School was an honor, helping to stabilize this piece of English heritage and remove it from the ‘Buildings at Risk’ register for the first time in many years.
Our approach aligns with the SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) philosophy of conservative repair — maintaining the existing structure whenever possible and only adding new elements when absolutely necessary. We conduct thorough investigations into the building’s history, previous modifications, and carry out visual inspections of the structural integrity to guide our repair strategies.
Our conservation engineering consultants possess deep knowledge of building materials and construction techniques, along with an understanding of how structures can fail or degrade. This expertise is crucial for addressing the needs of heritage buildings, whether they are intact or have experienced significant damage, enabling us to devise effective repair solutions that prevent future risks and ensure the preservation of these historic sites.
Charleston Manor Dovecote, Seaford, UK
The Maltings, Thomas Alleyne School, Stevenage, UK
The Maltings, Thomas Alleyne School, Stevenage, UK
Charleston Manor Dovecote
Overview
The dovecote at Grade II* Charleston Manor, circular in form and dating from about 1220, had retained its characteristic original features but had deteriorated into poor condition, following water damage and previous crude repairs.
Our Role
Ayesa worked closely with Peter Inskip and Peter Jenkins Architects to inspect the existing fabric. We provided detail conservation-focused repairs to the complex ancient roof structure, and cellular nesting boxes to the approval of the English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments.
Heritage Surveys & Asset Protection
Protecting Heritage Assets from Modern Developments
The protection of heritage assets sits at the heart of our communities. Ayesa assesses the condition and advises protection strategies for heritage assets that are vulnerable either from developments (which in cities may include construction above and below ground - such as underground rail, stations and tunnels) or from fire and flood or a result of past alterations and additions over the years.
HS2 - The southern section of the HS2 Crossrail from Euston to West Ruislip Portal traces a route directly through 170 Listed Buildings and 80 Listed Monuments. Ayesa was engaged to undertake the survey work of each and every one of these heritage assets, assessing the tunnelling impacts on those structures that sit with the ‘1mm settlement corridor’. Our HS2 brief goes beyond identifying structural robustness, it delves into historic features and attributes to recommend protection and mitigation measures that preserve the heritage.
St Mary Abchurch - The present church is by Sir Christopher Wren and dates from 1681-6. The church is grade I listed and is noted for its grand interior timber framed dome, lined with plaster and highly decorated. The Bank Station Capacity upgrade scheme included a new running tunnel about 23m below ground level and directly under St Mary Abchurch. Ayesa’s role included a detailed study of the building and the considerable body of documentation assembled by LUL’s advisors and contractors, advice on behalf of the church on the likely effects of the tunnelling, assessment of the proposed mitigation measures to the window openings and the timber framed dome. Sophisticated real time monitoring systems were installed including a unique application of a specialised fibre optic cable which could detect infinitesimal changes in length, both on the main walls and around the dome to provide a much greater than normal body of knowledge about the behaviour of an 18th C building to below ground disturbance.
St Mary Abchurch, London, UK
St Stephen’s, Rosslyn HIll, London, UK
St Patrick’s Church, Soho Square - Crossrail Development
Overview
Consecrated in 1893, ‘St. Patrick’s Church’ is recognised as a Grade II* listed Roman Catholic church, replacing an earlier structure that served as a worship space since 1802. The church we see today was crafted by John Kelly from the firm Kelly and Birchall Architects. Adjacent to the church, on its front right side, sits a house from 1791 that was preserved and serves as the presbytery. Between 2010 and 2012, Ayesa undertook a project to significantly increase the church’s usable space by digging under the nave. This effort expanded the existing basement to cover the entire footprint of the building.
Right from the beginning, it was planned that the nearby Tottenham Court Road station of the London Underground would undergo an extension, reaching a depth of 43 meters and coming within just 2 meters of the church. Additionally, the construction plans included boring Crossrail tunnels directly underneath the church. Following these developments, the large area cleared for the station’s extension was intended to be transformed into a space for retail and offices, along with a new theatre to take the place of the demolished “Astoria.” These projects were authorised by the Crossrail Act 2008, a piece of legislation that meant property owners, including the church, had limited ability to influence or challenge the planned works and their potential impact.
Our Role
Ayesa served as a vigorous advocate for the church, aiming to safeguard the structure and its users’ safety, ensuring parish activities could proceed without disruption. They reviewed nine monitoring processes, maintained detailed condition records, managed daily issues with Crossrail and LUL, and facilitated a satisfactory resolution. Structural damage did occur, leading to a financial settlement with Crossrail, for which Ayesa outlined necessary structural repairs. With the new commercial developments atop the underground station nearing completion in late 2021, any subsequent damage will be addressed, following Ayesa’s contaminated land assessment and clean-up recommendations for the site.
Organisation Category
Year Status Project
RICS UK Regional Awards London - Heritage 2024
RSUA Awards Conservation 2024
Old Curiosity Shop, London
Bank Buildings, Belfast
BCO Awards Refurbished/Recycled 2023 HIGHLY Bridge House, London COMMENDED
ICIA Awards Conservation Project of the year 2023
Bank Buildings, Belfast
iStructE Ireland Conservation Award 2023 WIN Bank Buildings, Belfast
AJ Architecture Awards Project of the Year 2023
Civic Trust Awards AABC Conservation Award 2018
RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2017
Natural Stone Awards New Build Traditional 2016
Bank Buildings, Belfast
St. Mary At Quay, Ipswich
House Boat, Poole Harbour
The Chicken House, Gloucestershire Stonemasonry
Natural Stone Awards Craftsmanship 2016
Wood Awards Private/Best Small Project 2014
The Chicken House, Gloucestershire
St. Peter’s Church, Peterchurch, Herefordshire
New London Awards 2014 NOM Stapleton Hall Road, London N4
Brick Awards 2014 NOM Stapleton Hall Road, London N4
RICS Awards Building Conservation 2012 NOM 14 Church Street, Hereford West Midlands
LABC Building Best Small Housing Dev. 2012
14 Church Street, Hereford Excellence Awards
ICE London Civil Engineering Awards 2012
LABC Building Best Domestic Extension 2011
St. Patrick’s, 21A Soho Square, London W1
Lower Turnant Farm, Herefordshire Excellence Awards
Georgian Group Architectural Awards 2011
St. George’s Church, Hanover Square Restoration of a Georgian Church
ACE-RIBA Awards Award for Religious 2011
St. Peter’s Church, Peterchurch Architecture Herefordshire
RICS Awards Building Conservation 2010 NOM West Hampstead Synagogue
Better Healthcare Special Judges Award 2009
White Lodge Centre, Holloway Hill, Chertsey Awards
Georgian Group Architectural Awards 2009
Wood Awards Best Use of British Timber 2008
Wood Awards Best Use of Panel Products 2008
Wood Awards Best Small Project 2008
RICS Awards Craftsmanship in 2008
St. Lawrence, Mereworth
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury Conservation
RICS Awards Building Conservation 2008
Natural Stone Craft Monuments & Carving 2007
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury Awards
Georgian Group Architectural Awards 2006
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury Restoration of a Georgian Church
Natural Stone Awards Craftsmanship 2006
City Heritage Awards City Heritage 2005
NHS Building Better Best Patient Environment 2004
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Healthcare Awards
Decades of involvement at St Bartholomew’s Hospital
We have worked at St Bartholmew’s Hospital for twenty five years, on four different projects. The first was external repairs to the grade I listed West Wing, part of James Gibbs’ 18th century rebuilding. This included reconstruction of the chimneys previously dismantled as dangerous, reforming the roof structure to provide plantrooms, and stitching fractures in the Portland Stone façade. Next was the transformation of the interior to a modern centre of excellence for cancer care, while still retaining the original historic layout and fabric, rather than gutting and installing a steel frame as first proposed. This project, which cost £13.5m, was awarded “NHS Best Patient Environment Award” and the “City Heritage Award” and served as an exemplary project for other NHS Trusts and project managers. Both contracts were with Greenhill Jenner Architects for the NHS.
Subsequently we were selected by Skanska to work with their construction team and HOK architects on the vast Barts and the London,
Public Finance Initiative (pfi) scheme for the renewal of both hospital sites. Starting with a completely open brief we explored many ideas and proposals as part of a large multi-disciplinary team for both hospital sites, before settling on a final scheme which was then constructed over a period of ten years, replacing some buildings and repairing and altering others at a project cost of £1.1bn for the redevelopment at Barts.
Since completion of the pfi, we have worked with Keir Construction and Ryder Architecture, in succession to STW Architects on a recently completed scheme to convert a connected group of unwanted hospital buildings at Barts into a modern private patients’ facility for Nuffield Health.
Barts, as it is colloquially known, is the oldest hospital in Britain on the same site and celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2023. We are proud of our contributions to the ongoing life of this remarkable institution.
