Rediscovering Industrial Character in the Heart of Lewes
No 1A Mount Place, Front Elevation
Rediscovering Industrial Character in the Heart of Lewes
We’re excited to share one of our latest conservation-led design projects: the sensitive remodel and restoration of a former industrial unit tucked right in the centre of historic Lewes, within the South Downs National Park Conservation Area.
Originally converted into a home in the 1990s, the building had undergone a series of unsympathetic alterations—poor-quality windows, generic internal modifications, and the unfortunate loss of its original front brick piers. When the current owner approached us, he had three goals: restore the building’s character, improve natural light, and create a space worthy of showcasing his beautiful Alfa Romeo.
Our first step was a detailed survey of the building, enabling us to understand both the opportunities and constraints presented by its industrial heritage. With conservation sensitivities and planning requirements in mind, we proposed a design that brings the building back to life while celebrating its history.
A key move was relocating the garage doors back to their original position and reinstating the missing brick piers, restoring the integrity of the street frontage. To enhance the façade further, we designed new heritage-inspired double doors and introduced double-glazed Fabco Crittall windows to the first floor—subtle, elegant, and perfectly aligned with the building’s industrial past.
We also improved the elevation with discreet new signage and repositioned heritage-style gutters and downpipes to clean up the overall appearance.
Inside, we opened up the ground floor by removing the later internal walls and outdated entrance configuration. In their place, we designed a bespoke timber-and-glass partition, crafted to frame and celebrate the owner’s Alfa Romeo as a sculptural object within the home. The result is a light-filled, flexible ground floor that embraces both living space and the client’s automotive passion.
This project brings together Architecture, Conservation, Masterplanning, Architectural Interventions and Interior Architecture—a holistic approach that re-establishes the building’s identity while adapting it for contemporary life.
