LEIGHTON HOUSE, Grade II – Feasibility Assessment

Scope of Works

Leighton House, a Grade II listed manor house dating back to the early 1800s, has a rich historical significance and heritage value. Originally requisitioned by the government during the Second World War for defense purposes, it now serves as a residential facility within a Ministry of Defence estate. Over the years, multiple alterations and modifications have been made to the building, impacting its structural integrity and historical features. Our team of conservation architects was commissioned to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the building’s condition. This involved evaluating the structural fabric and the historical elements of the house to provide a detailed understanding of its current state.

Challenges

The primary challenges faced during the assessment included:

Balancing Modern Usage with Conservation: As the building is currently used for residential purposes, our team had to consider modern safety standards and usability while preserving its historic character.

Historical Sensitivity: Being a Grade II listed building, Leighton House required careful handling of its original architectural details and fabric. Any intervention needed to be sympathetic to its historical value and in line with heritage conservation standards.

Complex Structural Defects: The building exhibited several structural issues, including deterioration of load-bearing walls, roof structures, and foundational instability due to prior modifications. Identifying the underlying causes required invasive investigative techniques without further compromising the integrity of the building.

Design Solution

Our conservation experts conducted a comprehensive condition review, focusing on both the building’s fabric and its unique historical detailing. An intrusive structural assessment was carried out to identify hidden defects, assess the overall stability of the building, and provide a foundation for future restoration work.

• Condition Survey and Analysis: Our team performed a detailed R&D (Research and Development) survey, inspecting external and internal elements, including masonry, roofing, and interior finishes. Specific attention was given to historical elements such as cornices, balustrades, and fireplaces to document their condition and identify necessary repairs.
• Structural Fabric Review: We collaborated with structural engineers to perform an intrusive assessment of load-bearing structures, roof trusses, and foundational stability. This revealed significant areas of concern that would need specialized repair strategies to ensure long-term stability.
• Report and Recommendations: A comprehensive report was prepared, highlighting key findings along with mitigation strategies. This included recommendations for repairing structural defects, preserving historical details, and implementing future maintenance strategies. Our team outlined a phased repair and conservation plan to ensure compliance with heritage guidelines while addressing modern safety and usability standards.

This feasibility assessment provided the Ministry of Defence with a clear understanding of the building’s condition and facilitated the development of a detailed scope of work for the next stages of restoration, ensuring Leighton House’s historical integrity is preserved for future generations.