New Design for Old Buildings

Chapter 3

Considerations for Success

Figure 3.00 Martello Tower Y on the Suffolk coast.

Understanding the historic fabric and structure, and considering the implications of interventions or new additions, will produce the most successful methodology for adaptation. Most important of all is the relationship between old and new in terms of style and mass, and the consideration of detail, such as how junctions are designed.

There are many routes to making new work in a historic context successful. As with all good architecture, there is a requirement for high‑quality, sensitive design, visual clarity, carefully selected materials, the intelligent ...