ADAPTIVE REUSE
There was once a time when most would wince at the idea of combining the 'newest of the new' architectural design ideas and styles with our ancient buildings however, in recent years there appears to have been a shift in opinion. A more relaxed view of combining old and new has swept the globe and we can see examples of where this has allowed new life to be given to our previously static historic buildings.
Back in 1989 the glass pyramid at the Louvre was met with a swathe of controversy; many were outraged that it would even be thought of to combine such different styles (and periods). Some might say that this was the beginning of the juxtaposition between old and new buildings and that it started a now widely accepted style of adapting old buildings.
We can note many more examples of where this idea has since been used. Closer to home (and slightly less glamorous) is the Norwich Cathedral Refectory which, with its 1m thick 14th century walls proved a challenge and a half. When it came to reviewing the potential use of this historic ruin, the Cathedrals Fabric Commission of England deemed the walls untouchable so, the decision was made to build a new, 3.5 million structure inside the ruin walls. Cleverly, the architects and build team were able to quite literally 'bridge the gap' between the ruin walls and the new structure with the subtle introduction of another masonry walling material. This solution meant that the problem of fitting the solid sheets of glass with the original random composition limestone and flint walls was solved and there was obvious differentiation between the two buildings, and the two time periods. A literal story from past to present.
Blencowe Hall in Cumbria is another fascinating example of how the owners, architects and build team have turned a ruin into a structural story. Not only have they managed to preserve the history of the building itself but, in doing so, brought attention to the wider history of England through the feature use of a breach in it’s east wall likely created by ‘slighting’ in the Civil War. By using new building techniques to support the ruins (a steel frame) the team were able to preserve the breech whilst creating both an internal and external feature with a glazed wall – set back from the ruin so the broken masonry remained visible. There is such contrast between the old and new within this building that it exudes a fascinating depth of character whilst allowing us to reflect on just how far we have moved on since the 16th century. The new life injected through this project means that Blencowe Hall can now be enjoyed by the public as it is now let out as a 24 person holiday home…
Although the adaptation of these beautiful old buildings is still met with controversy and the views on particular projects a matter of personal taste, I like to think that we are striving to preserve our heritage through allowing it to have a use in the modern day. If we just left these buildings as 'ruins' where would we be in 100 years time, generations on, where space will likely be in huge shortage? How would we convince these generations that it is better to preserve our 'ruins' rather than build homes for the likely (by then) 100s of thousands of people without a place to live? By undertaking a policy of adaptive reuse, we are able to safeguard our heritage for years to come.
