At Material Works, we specialise in helping homeowners transform listed properties into healthy, sustainable homes that reflect contemporary living without compromising their historical value.

This guide outlines the key considerations, permissions, and process involved in adapting and extending listed buildings—and how our approach can help you navigate it all with clarity and confidence.

What Is a Listed Building?

A listed building is a structure officially recognised as being of special architectural or historic interest. In the UK, listed buildings are classified as Grade I, Grade II*, or Grade II, depending on their significance. Any changes that affect the character of a listed building require Listed Building Consent, in addition to standard planning permission. This applies to both internal and external alterations—even seemingly minor ones.

The Challenge and Opportunity of Adapting a Listed Building

Living in a listed home often means working with older construction methods, outdated layouts, and inefficient systems. While that can present challenges, it also provides opportunities to introduce carefully considered interventions that improve comfort, sustainability, and day-to-day usability.

At Material Works, we don’t believe in pastiche. Instead, we aim to create new work that sits comfortably and respectfully alongside the old—celebrating the original while crafting beautiful, sustainable spaces for modern living.

The Process: From Vision to Reality

1. Understanding the Building and Its Significance

The first step is to understand your building: its history, construction, materials, and architectural features. We carry out a detailed analysis to identify what’s protected and where change is possible. This forms the foundation of a design strategy that responds both to your needs and to the building’s character.

2. Engaging with Conservation Officers

Early dialogue with your local authority’s conservation officer is crucial. At Material Works, we have a strong track record of working collaboratively with planning departments. By presenting clear, well-reasoned proposals grounded in research and best practice, we help smooth the path through planning and consent.

3. Designing with Sensitivity and Clarity

Our design approach is rooted in clarity, craft, and contextual sensitivity. We aim for contemporary interventions that contrast gently with the original fabric avoiding mimicry while respecting scale, rhythm, and materiality.

Whether it’s a discreet rear extension, a reconfigured interior, or a garden studio, we favour natural, low-impact materials that promote healthy indoor environments—timber, lime plaster, breathable insulation, and mineral paints, for example. Every detail is carefully considered to create harmonious and lasting architecture.

4. Listed Building Consent and Planning Applications

We prepare all required documentation for Listed Building Consent, including heritage impact assessments, design and access statements, and detailed drawings. This is submitted alongside a planning application where needed. Our experience means we understand how to anticipate and address conservation concerns before they become obstacles.

5. Technical Design and Sustainable Detailing

Listed buildings present unique technical challenges, from thermal upgrades to structural integration. We bring expertise in sustainable retrofitting, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while protecting historic fabric. This might include:

• Upgrading glazing with slimline double-glazed or vacuum glazed units in timber frames

• Adding internal wall insulation using breathable systems

• Replacing fossil-fuel heating with heat pumps or low-carbon alternatives

• Introducing natural ventilation strategies and daylight optimisation

Every technical solution is assessed for both performance and heritage impact.

6. Construction and Craftsmanship

We work with skilled craftspeople who understand traditional materials and methods—stone, brick, joinery, and lime—while also embracing modern construction techniques. Material Works remains closely involved during construction to ensure the original vision is delivered with precision and care.

Our Commitment to Sustainability and Healthy Living

We believe good design is not just about aesthetics, but about how a building performs—for its inhabitants and the environment. That’s why we prioritise:

• Low-carbon materials: responsibly sourced timber, natural insulation, and minimal embodied energy

• Healthy interiors: non-toxic finishes, natural light, and good air quality

• Long-term adaptability: spaces that evolve with your life, not against it

Our work is shaped by the belief that heritage and sustainability go hand in hand. Many traditional buildings were built with local materials and designed for natural ventilation and thermal comfort—principles we aim to enhance, not override.

Why Work with Material Works?

We bring extensive experience in working with listed buildings—balancing innovation and respect, tradition and performance. Our team provides a full architectural service, from early concept design to post-construction review. We are passionate about delivering:

• Thoughtful, contemporary design that respects heritage

• Clear communication and transparent project management

• A collaborative and enjoyable design process

• Environmentally responsible architecture that improves lives

Ready to Start Your Project?

If you’re a homeowner with a listed building and are considering adapting, extending, or upgrading your home, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re at the earliest stage or already have ideas in mind, Material Works can help you unlock your building’s potential—while preserving the spirit that makes it unique.

Get in touch today to arrange a consultation and discover how we can bring together heritage, sustainability, and modern design to create a home that works for the future.