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.
Exciting news to share! We are honoured to have been shortlisted as a finalist for the King of Prussia Gold Medal at the National Churches Trust`s Church Architecture Awards 2026 🏆
Our work on St John the Baptist in Rochdale, a Grade II* listed church famous for its striking domed form and sanctuary mosaic, has been recognised alongside some of the best church conservation projects in the country.
We`ve been working on St John`s since 2020, carrying out detailed surveys of the dome and clerestory and developing a full schedule of repairs to tackle decades of water damage and concrete decay, all while protecting the building`s incredible 1930s mosaic artwork.
Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a brilliant reflection of the hard work and care that`s gone into this project 🙏
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation #ChurchArchitecture
Oct 1
As Crosby Granger Architects continues to grow, we’re taking the opportunity to look at what that growth means for our people, our culture and the way we work together🤝
We’ve started working with RealiseHR on a programme designed to help us develop as a practice. Over the coming months, we’ll be looking at everything from our values and leadership to communication, collaboration and smarter ways of working.
We recently brought the whole team together for the first of a series of workshops, exploring where we’re heading, what growth means for our team and how we want to work together to get there!
Most importantly, the programme gives the whole team a voice in defining what’s important to us and the kind of practice we want to build.
Because sustainable growth isn’t just about the projects we deliver. It’s about investing in the people who make them possible.
Sep 23
Nestled in the Howgill Fells, the traditional barns at Thwaite Farm were deteriorating - until grant funding brought us onboard to help turn things around 🌾
Preserving their historic character was just as important to us as making them structurally sound. And while heritage conservation was the primary goal, the family needed them to remain practical, working farm buildings.
Watching these historic structures transform from vulnerable to secure was an emotional experience for the family - and we are so proud to have played a part in saving them for future generations.
This project is featured in our latest piece in Issue 52 of Conservation & Heritage magazine, alongside a look at how the approach used at Thwaite is now being applied across 21 further barns in Cumbria ✨
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation
Sep 7
