Conservation & Heritage
Project Experience
Conservation & Heritage
Project Experience
Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice consisting of DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering, DB3 Net Zero, DB3 Professional Services, Formation 3D and Home & Maker.
DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK including in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, so we are never too far away from your project. Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands across private and public market sectors.
From architectural vision to the completed build, we provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base. We embrace the latest technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to assist in our
process and operations for design, visualisation, design team co-ordination and more.
We maintain a focus on not only delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, but also in ensuring long term value is designed into facilities to ensure that they are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.
Our dedicated team of experienced Architects, Project Managers, Building Services Engineers, Interior Designers and Surveyors provide a quality service regardless of project value, size or complexity, to deliver the best for our clients. Working collaboratively, we aspire to make this an enjoyable process and build relationships which result in us returning to work for the same clients on future projects.
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EXPERTISE
Architecture
Passivhaus Design
Urban Design
Visualisation
Principal Designer
NEC Supervisor
Building Services Engineering
Our experienced multi-disciplinary teams deliver specialist advice to clients on the strategic planning, renewal, regeneration, management and conservation of historic buildings, heritage sites and monuments.
Passionate about preserving British Architecture Heritage
Clients include developers, government departments, local government
Work closely with Conservation Officers and bodies such as English Heritage
We realise client aspirations by combining sympathetic design with pragmatic solutions in a
sustainable way to preserve and enhance historic sites and buildings.
Whilst the delivery of listed building refurbishment or essential maintenance work can be seen by many as challenging if not impossible, we have efficiently and successfully delivered a number of projects with listed status much to the delight of our clients and local heritage bodies.
Our design and project management role involves us in strategic scheduling of works to enable clients to continue day to day operations where required, with tried and tested systems in place to ensure due safeguards are in place, protecting staff and customers.
Location: Cardiff
Expertise Areas: Architecture, Building Services, Principal Designer
As part of a wider framework with National Museums of Wales, we have worked on numerous projects for the National Library of Wales. Located within a Grade II* Historic Park and Garden in Aberystwyth, the National Library holds a prominent status as the largest library in Wales, with a collection exceeding 6.5 million books and other significant holdings.
As lead consultant, project architects and MEP engineers, we are continuing to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at significantly decreasing the library’s carbon footprint and eliminating fossil fuel usage by 2028.
The core of the project involves replacing the library’s existing gas-fired boilers with Reversible Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps. This transition not only eliminates reliance on fossil fuels but also addresses both heating and cooling requirements. By utilising Reversible Heat Pumps, we can effectively manage heating and cooling loads, rendering the existing inefficient Chiller Units and 5MW Gas Boilers obsolete.
The integration of solar panels further enhances energy sustainability. With a surface area of over 3500m2, these panels produce approximately 700kW of energy, equivalent to 116,000 typical LED light bulbs.
The project extends beyond energy systems to include enhancements in building fabric and thermal insulation. This involves the installation of new windows and secondary glazing while respecting the architectural and heritage significance of the building. In areas of lesser architectural significance, new replacement windows will be integrated, while areas of greater significance will receive new secondary glazing and window repairs to maintain their integrity.
As a Grade II* Listed Building, meticulous planning and coordination has been essential. We are working closely with Planning and Listed Building Consent departments, ensuring alignment with local authorities and Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment agency. Every design decision prioritises reversibility and decommissioning, preserving the building’s integrity and enabling future adaptability.
The Visitor Experience at the National Library of Wales is a project which improved public access to the Library’s vast collections.
This prestigious project was phased into two main elements.
The first phase involved the renovation and remodelling of the public facilities within the building, including the design of new exhibition spaces, education facilities, and shop and restaurant areas.
Phase 2 included the creation of the ‘DRWM’, a new structure which in-filled one of the library’s original courtyard spaces.
This elliptical drum structure houses a lecture theatre / cinema space, which has become an integral facility in the library’s mission to provide access to the collection. It also houses Hengwrt Gallery, a space where the rarest and most valuable of the collections, ranging from unique manuscripts to Turner watercolours, can be displayed in a controlled environment.
The extension project involved the sympathetic extension of the listed building to house additional offices and archive facilities.
The result was a specialist six-storey structure to provide a controlled environment and special safety installations for the conservation of one of Britain’s Copyright Libraries.
This included extraordinarily high loading for the book stack, capable of providing capacity for the next 30 years, and specialist multimedia storage including a Faraday cage.
An atrium separates the book stack from the offices with glazed walkways and lifting linking the two spaces.
The extension was required to respect the architectural style of the original library building, while employing a highly efficient system using the latest technology for document storage. The project was followed by a feasibility study for a Visitor Centre to both improve interpretation of the written works of Wales and create new revenue streams. Phase 2 was for these to be extended to revenue earning online access.
Location: South Quay, Pembrokshire
Expertise Areas: Architecture
As part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s regeneration programme, this transformative project aims to redevelop the historic and prominent South Quay site next to Pembroke Castle. The development, planned in two phases, will bring a diverse and sustainable mix of new uses to the town.
Phase 1 - Funded by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, this phase will celebrate the town’s legacy as the birthplace of the Tudor dynasty with:
A Henry Tudor Visitor Centre
A library, information centre, and café
Landscaped gardens
Funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme, this phase will complete the South Quay regeneration, focusing on numbers 7 and 8 Northgate Street. It will include:
A three-storey community hub for day opportunities, digital media, art, heritage craft activities, and learning and skills areas to support independent living for all ages
Environmental enhancements with building restorations, a new sunken garden, and improved parking
Better access between the Henry Tudor Visitor Centre and the waterfront
Location: South Quay, Pembrokshire
Expertise Areas: Architecture
The scheme involves the refurbishment of the former County Gâol at Haverfordwest Castle, to provide a new visitor attraction. The building is Grade II Listed and sits within the bounds of a Scheduled Monument, Haverfordwest Castle. The client wished to repurpose the building to provide new exhibition and education facilities as well as café, retail and support space. The building is also seen as a precursor to visits to the adjacent castle itself and as well as providing ticketing and related facilities also provides support space for events and performances taking place within the Inner Ward of the adjacent castle structure.
The building was originally constructed in the 1800’s as a prison and was then converted in the mid 1960’s to become a County Archive facility. Many of the original prison features and ancillary buildings were removed and replaced with more contemporary additions which have not been considered as having any heritage significance by CADW or Pembrokeshire County Council’s Conservation Team. In re-purposing the existing building there is therefore an opportunity to remove the 1960’s additions to allow more appropriate replacements to serve the new intended use as a
visitor attraction.
DB3 developed a design which sought to maximise and enhance the significant features of the original building through careful demolition and construction of new extensions. A new extension was proposed on the principal south façade providing a two-storey atrium feature for orientation, and welcome. This new feature also provided an easterly emphasis towards the adjacent monument with both visual and physical connections to the Inner Ward and events taking place within it. The scheme also included a destination café, also located within the atrium, as well as a large education centre to accommodate visiting school parties.
Location: Cardiff
Expertise Areas: Architecture
The Alder Castle project is a refurbishment of a multi-tenanted office building in the heart of London’s St. Paul’s area. Situated along the London Wall and bordered by the St. Anne and St. Agnes Churchyard, the site holds a prime position within the Foster Lane conservation area.
The redesign will focus on the lower ground to second floors, blending modern functionality with respect for the building’s heritage. Planned structural changes on the ground and first floors include a double-height extension over the existing lower ground light well, creating an airy, inviting space. To improve the entry experience, the current access bridge will be replaced, making way for a larger reception area.
As part of the upgrades, new amenities will be added to enrich the experience for future occupants. The entrance itself will be reconfigured, with the removal of the corner glazed façade and the addition of terraces above the new reception area, bringing natural light and outdoor space into the building’s core.
A full CAT A refurbishment across the ground, first, and second office floors will revamp office spaces, WC blocks, core finishes, and lighting. At the lower ground level, existing car parking, cycle racks, and shower facilities will be replaced, while the entrance ramp and front courtyard are updated to bring the whole space up to modern standards.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Expertise Areas: Architecture
Nottingham City Council commissioned DB3 to develop a concept to realise English Heritage’s desire to reinstate the south facing terrace area, supported on reinforced concrete slab finished in limestone paving slabs.
The terrace structure is enclosed by the new Ashlar stone finished balustrade, which is supported on a 10m high cavity retaining wall consisting of limestone to the outer skin, concrete blockwork to the inner skin and reinforced concrete cavity.
The design is contextual and sympathetic to its immediate environment whilst also richly articulated, utilising contemporary materials such as glass and stainless steel against the existing sandstone of the Ducal Palace and historic rock face.
By reinstating the terrace area, the design now allows visitors, including young children and wheelchair users, the opportunity to enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of Nottingham through the new fully glazed section of balustrade.
Location: Cardiff
Expertise Areas: Architecture
DB3 were appointed by Museum Wales as the architect and Passivhaus consultants, up to RIBA stage 3, on the refurbishment of the Grade II listed administration building at St. Fagans National Museum of History.
Surveys were carried out that identified that the administration block required essential maintenance work. Prior to implementing any
remedial work, the opportunity was taken by Museum Wales to look at how different interventions could reduce carbon emissions.
Following on from this Museum Wales received funding to explore Passivhaus retrofit – Enerphit for this project. A fabric first approach has been taken during stage 3 to look at how Enerphit can best be achieved.
Location: Denbigh, Denbighshire
Expertise Areas: Sustainabiliy
Work has been completed on the new Visitor Centre at Denbigh Castle. The conservation work forms part of the CADW initiative to maximise visitor potential at its major historic landmarks and to improve general visitor access.
The presentation and interpretation of the castle and walls were improved, enhancing links with the wider historic landscape.
DB3 is the Design & Build Architect to Grosvenor Construction Ltd on the project originally designed by Ferguson Mann Architects. The project involved the demolition of the existing
visitor building and archaeological investigations in advance of the main construction works.
The building achieved “Very Good” BREEAM rating and EPC ‘A’ rating. Sustainable features include a sedum roof with associated bio-diverse planting, a ground source heat pump, photovoltaic cells, low energy light fittings and controls together with water-saving fittings. The timber for the building has been responsibly sourced and aggregates recycled from the demolition materials of the previous building. The gabions have been faced with the stonework of the previous facilities.
Location: South Kensington, London
Expertise Areas: Architecture
DB3 acted as Architect and CDMC for a project to restore the concert hall to its original architectural delight. The concert hall opened in 1901 and has since been used constantly for teaching, rehearsal and performance of classical music.
The client’s brief called for the restoration of the entire hall, including the provision of acoustic isolation and the improvement of the hall as an important and inspiring 21st century facility for college use as well as external hire. We were able to take this opportunity to completely remove and replace the tired air
conditioning, heating and audio systems and replace them with state of the art equipment. In order to achieve this transformation, the vaulted plaster ceiling had to be carefully removed and new panels especially fabricated to perfectly match the originals.
The works encompassed the addition of specialist high tech equipment for sound and communication systems including music and video recording. The insertions are discreet and elegant and are kept in harmony with the original architecture of the hall.
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Expertise Areas: Architecture
DB3’s long and productive relationship with the National Museum of Wales is further extended through current projects at the National Museum Cardiff; a Grade 1 listed neoclassical building.
Following our initial appointment as leader of a multi-disciplinary design team we carried out surveys and prepared designs for several packages of work, starting with the insertion of acoustic panels into the Main Hall – a hugely impressive domed space – to rectify its poor acoustics and allow it to be used for conferences and banquets.
One of the other packages involves repairs, replacements and conservation work to the building’s complicated roof scape, including the addition of new rainwater pipes. We have carried out detailed condition surveys, followed by concept and detailed design work.
We used the results of a drone survey to build a computerised 3d model of the roof. Security, weatherproofing and safety are vital components of the project, due to the priceless contents of the building, including temporary exhibitions which require phasing of the construction work.
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Expertise Areas: Architecture
The Court House on Jury Street Warwick by Francis Smith 1724-31 is a listed Grade I and is located within the Warwick Conservation Area and includes ironwork by Thomas Paris and Benjamin Taylor.
DB3 worked with Warwick Town Council on the refurbishment of the Court House Warwick under the “Unlocking Warwick” Initiative.
The work involved alteration and refurbishment of the Visitor Centre and Yeomanry Museum, which included general improvement to the existing access arrangements, involving the installation of a new platform lift, specialist masonry repair in the insertion of new rear entrance doors, the installation of new exterior lighting to rear elevation, insertion of two glass canopies, installation of heating / ventilation to
the basement, replacement floor joists to the Assembly Room and phased repairs /conservation of the two coats of arms and lead statue to front elevation.
The work also included the refurbishment of the fine ballroom, which is used to host civic receptions.
The alterations formed part of a wider project, “Unlocking Warwick”, which aimed to improve access to and information on the historic Grade I listed building and on the wider interest of the historic town of Warwick. This ensured the long term protection of the building and provides information for visitors on the building, its conservation and place in the history of the town.
Location: City of London
Expertise Areas: Architecture
A refurbishment and change of use of a group of listed buildings in London’s Chancery Lane, from office to residential, this project included the construction of two rooftop penthouse apartments, and 44 one, two and three bed luxury apartments.
The existing restaurant and retailer tentants on the group, floor continued to trade throughout the constructution works.
Access to the site was difficult, Chancery Lane being one way, and the buildings located mid terrace.
The neighbouring buildings’ means of escape was through the building at forth floor level and
exiting to the street. This route had to be rerouted to accommodate the revised layout, but also had to be maintained both throughout the works, but also in the finished building.
The project achieved BREEAM Very Good. Great care was taken when constructing the new fifth floor, to match the existing mansard in every respect.
As part of the refurbishment works, the buildings were upgraded thermally and acoustically to current regulations, whilst maintaining the listed structure. All finishes were agreed with Westminster Historic Buildings Department.
Location: Machynlleth, Wales
Expertise Area:
DB3 worked on the first phase of the restoration of the Castlereagh Memorial Clock, which is a prominent feature in the centre of Machynlleth, Powys.
The work involved the cleaning and emergency repairs to the crenelated masonry, the repair of the existing clock mechanism and the modification of the rainwater disposal system in order to prevent future deterioration. The second phase of work involved the installation of a safe access system internally.
The work on the first phase was funded by the Machynlleth Town Council, Powys County Council and CADW under the Township Partnership
Scheme and through local fundraising efforts. The masonry repairs were carried out by Grosvenor Construction Ltd.
The town clock was built on the site of the Old Town Hall with a market hall at ground floor level. The clock was built to mark the coming of age of Charles Stuart Vane-Tempest, Viscount Castlereagh, the eldest son of the Fifth Marquess of Londonderry. The foundation stone was laid during the festivities that took place on the 15 July 1874.
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY
Location: Swansea, County of Glamorgan Expertise Areas: Architecture
The Grade II Listed Singleton Abbey is the focal point of Swansea University’s Vice Chancellor’s Department and its central administration hub.
The DB3 team completed a Conservation Management Plan for the Abbey buildings and were then involved in a programme of conservation work and fabric repairs. The initial phase of work involved the replacement of ashlar dressings, finials and copings, window repairs and the cleaning and re-rendering of the East Elevation.
The Singleton Abbey Estate was the Swansea home of the Vivian family who came to Swansea after extending their corporate concerns into South Wales during the early 19th Century.
The Tudor style mansion gradually evolved from the original octagonal mansion built on the site for Edward King (Collector of Taxes to the port of Swansea) begun in 1782 to the designs of William Jernegan.
The most significant “Tudor style” alterations were carried out circa 1837 to the designs of P. F. Robinson for John Henry Viivian and it was about this time that the Estate was re-named Singleton after the original farm which had been absorbed into the estate. The house and estate were eventually sold in 1919 to the Swansea Corporation. The new university was established on the site in 1920 and the house became the university’s main administrative building.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Expertise Areas: Architecture
The University of Leicester Engineering building has been hailed as one of the top 10 most inspiring buildings in the UK. It has been cited in a new national list of famous structures that includes Hadrian’s Wall and Stonehenge.
Designed by James Stirling and James Gowan, it has already received the distinction of a Grade II* Listing from the Department of National Heritage in 1993. The building was designed and built between 1959-63.
The brief originally included a feasibility study to increase the functional spaces within the building. This work led to research into the Leicester University Archives to examine some
of the drawings remaining in the UK. The project developed into the preparation of a Significance Statement and Conservation Management Plan for the engineering workshop and tower to enable future development.
The DB3 team were involved in the development of a Heritage Partnership Agreement between the University and the Local Authority to assist in streamlining the decision making process related to works of repair or replacement of external fabric and internal fixtures and fittings in Listed buildings. This allowed the University to securely plan and to schedule future works on the Engineering Building in a rational and proactive way.
As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, our expertise extends beyond architecture, meaning our clients can pick and choose key areas or combine a number of our service skill sets and project management skills when selecting our single point service offer. DB3 Group offers the following four individual business units.
DB3 Architecture & Design
Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape design and masterplanning, with supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design. DB3’s architectural team comprises 35+ architects, supported by a strong team of 40+ technologists and architectural assistants with the capacity to resource projects across all sectors.
DB3 Building Services Engineering
Offering CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to all sectors. The team have particular experience in the leisure sector, having delivered numerous wet and dry leisure facilities across the UK. The team incorporates Building Physics Engineering, are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).
DB3 Net Zero
Drawing on the experience of our in-house mechanical & electrical engineers, architects, energy assessors, Passivhaus designers and sustainability experts. Our suite of Net Zero consultancy services is broken down into six categories which cover topics around whole life cycle. These categories include; Carbon, Efficiency, Passivhaus, Wellbeing, Performance & Compliance.
DB3 Professional Services
The team deliver building surveying, retail project management, principal designer, contract administration and NEC supervisor roles, across the UK. Working alongside DB3’s architectural and M&E teams, these roles can be incorporated into a multi-disciplinary offering or procured as an independent service.
AJ100 Company
RIBA Chartered Practice
Passivhaus Trust Member
Certified Passivhaus Designers
CIAT Registered Practice
CIBSE Directory of Practices & Firms
CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System
ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System
Altius Approved Elite Vendor
H&S SSIP Accredited, through Eurosafe and Alcumus
Constructionline Gold Member
Achilles RISQS Accredited
Cyber Essentials Plus
DB3 Group: Shortlisted - COBBA 2024 ‘Architect of the Year; Shortlisted - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2024 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; WinnerUK Enterprise Client Service Excellence Award 2024 ‘Best Sustainable Architecture Practice’; Shortlisted - The Grafters Awards 2024 ‘Best RIBA Architectural Practice’; ’Shortlisted - MMC Awards 2024 ‘Women in Modern Methods of Construction’; Winner - Build Architecture Awards ‘Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Firm 2023’; ShortlistedWest Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Shortlisted - COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’ & ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’; Shortlisted - COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’ & ‘Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - Grafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Winner – COMBA & COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; 2021 Digital Enterprise Top 100; Winner – Insider Property Awards 2018 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ & ‘Design Excellence’; Shortlisted – BD Awards 2017 ‘Sports & Leisure Architect of the Year’; RICS Design Through Innovation Award 2017; Insider Property Industry Awards 2015 ‘Highly Commended Architectural Firm of the Year’
Castle Farm Leisure Centre: ‘Best Public or Community Building’ - LABC Regional Awards Printworks Campus: ‘Project of the Year Education (Secondary & Higher)’ - MMC Awards 2024
Helensburgh Waterfront Development: Highly Commended - Argyll & Bute Awards 2023 ‘Aesthetic Design’; Finalist - Planning Awards 2023 ‘Outstanding Contribution to Placemaking: Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport’; Highly CommendedIStructE Awards 2022 ‘Leisure Project’
Llys Cadwyn Regeneration: Winner – Cardiff Property Awards 2021 and Ystadau Cymru 2021 Award for ‘Creating Economic Growth’; Highly Commended – British Construction Industry Awards 2021; CLAW Project of the Year Awards 2021; Winner –Constructing Excellence Awards Wales 2021 ’Integration and Collaborative Working’ & ‘Building of the Year’
Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020
Leeds College of Music: Winner – RIBA Regional Award 2015 ‘Small Project Award’; Shortlisted –Insider Property Industry Awards Yorkshire 2018 ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’, Education Estates Awards 2018 ‘Refurbishment Project’, AJ Retrofit Awards 2018 ‘Further & Higher Education’;
Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2018 ‘Building Project of the Year’
Chancery Lane Residential: Shortlisted –London Construction Awards 2018 ‘London Build Excellence’ & ‘Regeneration Project’
Airedale Air Conditioning: Winner – RICS 2017 Regional Award ‘Design through innovation’
Ysgol Craig Y Deryn School: RTPI Wales Planning Award 2014
Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre: Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’
MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’
Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’
Marks & Spencer, Liverpool: Highly Commended –CIAT Award 2010 ‘Technical Excellence’
PAN Emirates, Dubai: Shortlisted – Retail Interiors Awards 2010 ‘Best International Interior’
Threeways School, Bath: BCSE Awards 2009 ‘Inspiring Design for Special Schools’
ASDA Stores Supplier Awards: 2009 ‘Best Consultant’ & ‘Best EDLC (Every Day Low Cost) Initiative’
University of Huddersfield, Creative Art Building: Bronze Awards – RIBA White Rose Award 2009; Commendation – CIAT Award 2009; Shortlisted –RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2009
University of Huddersfield, Milton Centre: Winner – Insider Yorkshire Renaissance Awards 2006 ‘Best Restoration Project’
Aberdovey Yacht Club: Winner – Snowdonia
National Park Awards 1992 ‘Good Design in the Countryside Award’
St Giles Business Park for the DBRW: Winner –Prince of Wales Design Awards 1990 ‘Good Design’
Llwydcoed Crematorium: Winner - RIBA Wales Architecture Awards 1971
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): 2017, 2011, 2010
Green Apple Awards: 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008
LABC Building Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
LABC Design Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002