Architectural Design
Contemporary architecture comes in many forms. At RBA we seek to design new architectural layers which bespeak of their own era while remaining in positive dialogue with their inherited past.
Our skills are unique, marrying fresh architectural ideas with our specialist knowledge of traditional techniques and trades.
RBA architects work independently and also collaboratively with other architectural practices, providing heritage advice and specialist architectural services to develop appropriate contemporary interventions at heritage sensitive sites.
Heritage places demand a specialised approach to architecture. We draw upon the full story of a place, its unique history, fabric and inherent spirit - the Genius Loci - to develop a sensitive and contextual design response.
RBA has experience in designing commercial, educational, residential and public buildings, including furniture and interior design. We are particularly skilled in adapting historic buildings to comply with contemporary amenity and safety standards. Our practice of engaging with statutory planning and heritage authorities early on helps to streamline the permit application process for our clients.
Beginning with a forensic investigative site analysis, we aim to understand the bigger picture (unravelling the threads) - not just the site’s physical context, but also the opportunities and constraints with regard to heritage fabric and values. This, alongside our client's brief, long-term aspirations and consultation with stakeholders, forms the basis for producing design outcomes that celebrate retained legacy inherited from our past. This intitial phase is likely to include a Heritage Values Review and Building Condition Assessement.
Our design approach is driven by -
Contemporary thinking - celebrating contemproary design and its intersection with existing building stock. Embracing current design thinking and aesthetics, advances in building technologies and elegantly articulating new architectural layers.
Cultural Sustainability - We are committed to exploring cultural heritage from multiple perspectives, embedding respect, sustainability, and a connection to Country in our work. We celebrate the materials inherent to the place. The legibility of the previous layers, not exclusive to the original built fabric, tell the story of the place. Ideally, the palate of new fabric will complement and enhance the layers of the past.
Environmental Sustainability - We recognise the value of the embodied energy of our exisiting built fabric. Retention, continued use or adaptive re-use is an inherently sustainable practice and the means by which we can future-proof our past. There is an opportunity to capitalise on the passive qualities of heritage buildings.
Economic Sustainability - RBA are skilled at future-proofing heritage assets, promoting their economic viability through adaptive-reuse, upgrading ameneties, and arresting building fabric decay.
