Crosby Granger Architects were invited to design, tender and oversee the replacement of the dilapidated glasshouse and loggia at Leighton Hall, Lancashire.
Leighton Hall is a historic house dating from the 18th century, altered twice within the 19th century, with earlier remains, all set within extensive grounds, near the town of Carnforth in Lancashire. It is a family home which welcomes the public to visit the house and garden along with events including educational visits, weddings, venue hire and others.
The Victorian Glasshouse was part of the Paley and Austin works along with the west tower. This project proposed to restore the timber portion of the conservatory that was replaced in 2000. The replacement was in modern softwood, which had completely rotten, and the building had become unusable. Whilst carefully considering the overall appearance and heritage of this historically significant Grade II* listed building. The proposal sought to restore the aesthetic of the original Glasshouse and provide additional ancillary facilities within a new build extension.
All the of the existing metal work was carefully retained and refurbished for reuse. The existing open loggia was enclosed with painted timber doors that will match the existing window style. Under floor heating fed by a biomass unit has been installed to improve the thermal efficiency of the new building and in doing so the existing stone flags were recorded, carefully lifted and reinstated after the UFH was installed.
The proposed works needed to retain the original design of the glasshouse as a part of the overall aesthetic of the main front to Leighton Hall. A modern extension at the rear also provided discreet ancillary facilities for visiting groups.
The overall design of the extension to the rear is some-what modern and includes a shallow five degree pitched zinc standing seam roof contained within the service yard that will contrast yet compliment the adjacent historic building fabric and the new glasshouse.
Ancillary to the glasshouse, a new extension provides supporting facilities to the rear of the conservatory where it will be hidden from the front elevation of the hall. An existing stone wall to the rear of the conservatory forms one side of a service yard and had various lean-to buildings removed to accommodate the new design. A new opening in the stone wall with a Gothic arch allows access between the ancillary accommodation and the glasshouse which includes a new kitchen, toilets, disabled WC and small store.
Crosby Granger Architects is honored to have led the award-winning restoration of Eshton Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in North Yorkshire. Our work addressed previous substandard repairs, focusing on roof and guttering systems to prevent water ingress and structural damage. This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic estates through sensitive, sustainable interventions.
We were appointed to carry out the historical research, assessment, and strategic management review, and develop and publish a Conservation Management Plan for Furness Abbey and Piel Castle, both in the Guardianship of English Heritage.
Appointed to work on the renowned St Oswald's Church in Grasmere, set within the idyllic village in the Lake District, Crosby Granger Architects is undertaking sensitive conservation efforts. Our focus includes preserving the church's historic features and ensuring its structural integrity, allowing this iconic place of worship to continue serving the community and visitors alike.
Crosby Granger Architects led the restoration of Thornthwaite Hall, a historic residence in the Lake District National Park. Our work includes addressing structural issues, conserving original features, re-rendering and updating its modest facilities to meet contemporary standards. By carefully balancing preservation with modernization, we ensure the hall's historical character is retained while enhancing its functionality for future use.
As part of our ongoing feasibility work for the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC, we’ve been exploring a range of potential approaches to improving accessibility through Hincaster Tunnel 🏗️
These early options focus on how level access might be achieved while respecting the tunnel’s historic fabric and unique character - current ideas under review include options such as a boardwalk and a `Roman road`.
These ideas form part of an early-stage assessment, intended to help understand what might be possible in the future. Further structural investigation will be essential to determine how any intervention could be delivered without compromising the historic tunnel.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue the exploratory work and supporting the long-term ambitions for the @towpath_trail 🌿
#Architecture #Lancaster #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail
Dec 1
We`ve been appointed by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC to explore the next steps in improving accessibility along the Lancaster Canal @towpath_trail 🍃
Our role is to prepare a feasibility study focused on the future potential of Hincaster Tunnel - a 346m Grade II listed structure and one of the canal’s most significant heritage assets.
The study will consider:
👉 How level access might be achieved
👉 How the tunnel’s historic character can be better revealed
👉 How this remarkable structure could become a true `jewel in the crown` of the Towpath Trail
This work builds on ongoing investment along the 28-mile route, including earlier upgrades near Stainton supported by Sport England, and more recent funding through the Rural Shared Prosperity Fund to continue improvements toward Holme.
We look forward to helping shape the possibilities for this much-loved route, celebrating the heritage of the important historic site while exploring ways it could become more accessible for everyone 🙌
#Architecture #Lancaster #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail
Nov 28
Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Thwaite Farm is a working farm with a collection of traditional buildings steeped in rural character. We were commissioned to oversee the careful repair and conservation of the Grade II listed barn complex, ensuring its continued use and longevity within the landscape 🌿🚜
A detailed inspection and structural appraisal identified long-term issues including water ingress, timber decay, and structural deformation. The repair strategy focused on sensitive conservation, undoing unsympathetic past alterations and reinstating traditional craftsmanship throughout.
The barns were re-roofed using locally sourced Burlington Blue Strong slates, traditionally laid in random widths and diminishing courses to match the original vernacular form. Air-dried oak was used for replacing structural timbers, each jointed by hand to mirror historic techniques.
This project exemplifies a balanced approach to heritage and function - preserving the integrity of traditional rural architecture while supporting the ongoing life of a working farm 🌾
#HeritageConservation #Architecture #HeritageArchitecture #YorkshireDales
Nov 24
