Listed Building Architects in Sussex
At Ecotecture, we specialise in listed building architecture, understanding the nature of the heritage asset and its setting, combining deep understanding for historical preservation with innovative design solutions.
Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of maintaining and enhancing your historic property, ensuring it meets modern standards while retaining its unique character.
What is a Listed Building?
A listed building is a structure officially recognized and protected for its special architectural, historical, or cultural significance. These buildings are legally safeguarded from demolition or significant alterations without specific consent.
Several factors contribute to a building receiving listed status.
Typically, a building's age plays a significant role, with older structures often more likely to be listed. Additionally, the building's location, particularly if it's near a conservation area, can also be a determining factor. Architectural uniqueness and historical significance, such as representing a specific era or having connections to notable figures, also contribute to a building's eligibility for listing. Buildings are then classified into different grades—Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 2*—based on how they meet these criteria.
Once a building is listed, the status imposes several responsibilities on the owner. This designation means that maintaining, repairing, or altering the property requires adherence to strict regulations to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. Owners may need to engage specialists and invest more time and resources into any work on the property. Additionally, this status can affect insurance needs, as listed buildings often require specialised coverage.
How We Work
At Ecotecture, we help you work through the challenges of listed buildings, making sure your project follows the rules while still matching your design ideas.
Our process includes
Initial Consultation
We begin by discussing your project goals and assessing the listed status of your building.
Heritage Assessment
Conducting a detailed heritage assessment to understand the historical significance and constraints of the building.
Design and Planning
Developing sensitive design solutions that respect the building's heritage while meeting modern functional requirements.
Listed Building Consent
Managing the application process for listed building consent and liaising with conservation officers to ensure compliance.
Construction and Project Management
Overseeing the construction phase to ensure that all work adheres to conservation standards and respects the building's integrity.
At Ecotecture, we have worked with all types of designated buildings, non designated heritage assets
through to designated Grades II, Grade 1, and Scheduled monuments.
Making changes to a listed building involves strict regulations designed to preserve its unique architectural character.
Before purchasing a heritage property, it's essential to understand the limitations and responsibilities that come with ownership. Modifying such a building requires careful planning and strict adherence to specific guidelines to maintain its historical integrity.
As architects specialising in listed buildings, we can assist homeowners through this complex process by preparing the necessary documentation and collaborating closely with local conservation officers.
This partnership ensures that any alterations are appropriate, meet regulatory standards & protect the property's heritage value.
Listed Buildings in Conservation Areas
Many listed buildings are situated within Conservation Areas, which are themselves designated for their architectural and historical importance. Additional planning restrictions apply within these areas to preserve the character and appearance of the surroundings.
We’ve worked with clients in many Conservation Areas across East and West Sussex, Surrey, and Surrey for example Eastbourne and Lewes and we can assist you with your project by navigating the regulations and ensuring that your plans conserve and/or enhance the unique character of each individual area.
How Will My Listing Affect Me?
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Conservation Requirements: Restrictions on alterations to preserve the building's character.
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Planning Permissions: Special permissions required for changes that affect the building's appearance or structure.
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Maintenance Obligations: Responsibility to maintain the building's historic fabric and features.
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Specialised surveys or reports to inform the design and the local council of the historical development of the site.
Our Clients
"I engaged Ecotecture as a practice as they were recommended by friends in the village who were building an ecofriendly house – back in the late Noughties.
I met Jo and her colleagues and were highly impressed by their enthusiasm and their skills for designing an eco friendly barn conversion.
We converted a redundant farm building into offices in a rural setting. EPC A was aimed for and achieved along with a high degree of air tightness. Having done the design and planning they were always on the end of the phone to help the builders during the build process.
A job very well done."
- Chilgrove Farm
"We were extremely happy with the service provided by Ecotecture at all stages of the project.
From pre-planning meetings with the Heritage Officer, design suggestions and drawings, selection of the building firm, monthly onsite meetings with us, liaison with Valley Builders, through to the end-of-project snagging process, we could not fault them, and we could not be happier with the results!"
- Little Colliers