Designing with Sensitivity
29 Friars Walk, Rear Elevation
Reimagining a Grade II Listed Home in the Heart of Lewes
We’re delighted to share a closer look at one of our most rewarding projects to date: the sympathetic redesign and restoration of a beautiful Grade II listed townhouse in Lewes, set within the historic South Downs National Park Conservation Area.
Our clients had lived in the property since the early 2000s and, as their family life evolved, they found themselves needing more space and improved flow. Over the years they had approached several architects, but each proposal fell short of gaining heritage consent. The building’s significance meant any form of intervention required more than simply demonstrating design intent — it required deep heritage understanding, respect for historic character, and a willingness to work collaboratively with the Conservation Officer.
A Conservation-Led Concept from the Start
From the outset, we took a measured, heritage-first approach. Rather than pushing a predetermined architectural solution, we began with an open conversation with the Lewes Conservation Officer.
We prepared a series of early concept sketches, 3D models, and material studies, all designed to demonstrate how new interventions could support and enhance the building rather than overpower it.
This early dialogue proved invaluable. The feedback was encouraging, and it shaped a design that felt both true to the character of the house and aligned with the expectations of the planning authority.
A Sensitive Architectural Response
At the rear of the property stood a dilapidated washroom and toilet—unsightly, structurally compromised, and offering little functional value. We proposed its removal and the construction of a subtle two-storey rear extension that would slot carefully into the existing footprint without overwhelming neighbouring properties.
Clad in burnt larch, the new extension offers a contemporary take on traditional Sussex blackened timber, quietly acknowledging local vernacular while clearly reading as a new layer in the building’s story. The extension provides:
A new lower-ground storage area and studio space
A snug and improved circulation at ground level
A thoughtfully crafted 20% increase in usable internal area, all achieved without altering the historic front elevation or original plan form.
This strategy allowed us to extend the house respectfully while keeping the historic hierarchy of spaces intact.
Working with Heritage: Materials Matter
Designing for a Grade II listed property means materials are never an afterthought—they're one of the most important parts of the conversation. Our material palette was chosen to feel both modern and deeply rooted in Lewes’s architectural tradition:
Traditional lead roofing on both extension levels
Zinc gutters and downpipes, echoing historic metalwork
Burnt larch cladding, resonating with local agricultural buildings
Bespoke steel window reveals, powder-coated to complement the façade
Reused heritage Sussex bricks, bonded with lime mortar to ensure breathability and longevity
This combination of natural materials, authentic craft, and contemporary detailing ensured the new works remained respectful while offering a timeless aesthetic.
Designing with Light
Light was at the centre of the design approach. Being south-facing, the rear of the property offered huge potential—if handled carefully. We introduced:
Large west-facing picture windows to bring afternoon and evening light deep into the plan
A heritage-profile rooflight to illuminate the staircase and upper rooms
Small, south-facing casement windows with deep reveals to manage solar gain
An increased ceiling height to emphasise volume and airiness
Together, these elements drastically improve daylight levels, create a sense of openness, and make the new and existing spaces feel connected and uplifting.
Navigating the Planning & Listed Building Consent Process
Every listed building project is a collaboration—not just with clients, but with the local authority, conservation specialists, and heritage officers. Securing consent for this project required:
A detailed Heritage Statement
Full material specifications
Conservation-led drawings
Targeted design interventions
Demonstrating reversibility, minimal intervention, and enhancement of historic fabric
By respecting the building’s history and engaging early with the Conservation Officer, the planning and listed building consent processes moved forward smoothly—something our clients had previously struggled to achieve.
More Than Architecture
This project brought together multiple layers of design expertise:
Architecture
Heritage Conservation
Planning Strategy
Architectural Interventions
Interior Architecture
Material and environmental design
It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful, heritage-informed design can transform a home without compromising the qualities that make it historically significant.
A Home with a Renewed Future
The redesigned townhouse now offers significantly improved space, light, comfort, and functionality—all while protecting and celebrating its heritage. It remains unmistakably a Lewes building, but one carefully updated for modern living.
We’re incredibly proud of this project and grateful to our clients for trusting us to reimagine their historic home with care and creativity.
