A Grade II Listed building situated in the centre of Bath World Heritage Site and immediately opposite Bath Abbey, Orange Grove is an exceptional example of early timber frame construction. FMA, together with Buro Happold Engineers, worked closely with the Conservation Officer to prepare a Listed Building Consent application for repair and remedial structural works, which was approved in January 2024.

FMA were originally appointed in 2020 to provide specialist heritage input on a series of repair proposals. These proposals were not taken forward and BANES sought a new design team, but enlisted FMA to lead the repair proposals.

Currently in an uninhabitable state, Nos. 1-2 at the corner end of the terrace have been the focus of our RIBA Stage 3 works, as well as the upgrading of fabric, fittings, and services to enable the premises to be brought back into beneficial use as a retail unit.

Key to securing the long term sustainability of the historic fabric, architectural proposals include a thermal upgrade. An element of this is within the external walls where the use of traditional and natural building materials ensure construction is vapour permeable.

Cosmetic work undertaken in the 1890s have led to the age and origins of the building being difficult to understand. FMA have worked closely with the conservation officer and consultant team to ensure that works are honest and repairs clearly expressed. Detailed research into the building’s historical development as well as on-site surveys has helped to determine this.

Further to these works, and to help the client understand the potential of redeveloping the upper floors of the whole terrace (nos. 1-7), FMA prepared a feasibility that explored opportunities for their conversion to residential use.

Works on site are intended to commence in 2024.