Alterations to Grade II listed building, Stafford

Ellis Hillman Architects have been appointed to oversee the alterations and conversion of two apartments within a historically significant, Grade II listed Almshouse building located on Mill Street in Stafford.  This building, originally constructed in the mid-17th century by Sir Martin Noell, was designed to provide housing for the poor of Stafford, along with a pension and coal allowance. The structure includes a chapel with stained-glass windows believed to have been sourced from the old castle church. With such a rich history, it is imperative that any changes to the building are carried out with care and sensitivity.

Our role as architects in this project has been to navigate the complex task of modernising the existing apartments while preserving the building’s historical and architectural integrity. Working closely with the trustees and the local conservation officer, we have aimed to ensure that our design improvements respect the Almshouse’s heritage while enhancing the functionality of the living spaces.

The existing layout of the two apartments required reconfiguration to make better use of the space and improve functionality for modern living. One of the challenges was the presence of a second staircase, which was unnecessary and limited the useable space. We proposed a more efficient design that would eliminate this staircase, making use of another external staircase, creating a more fluid, open plan arrangement for the residents and maximising the available space.

Throughout the design process, our team worked meticulously to preserve key historical features, while modernising the interiors to meet contemporary living standards. We also ensured that the building’s energy efficiency and sustainability were addressed, wherever possible, by integrating modern technologies in a way that did not compromise the building’s historic fabric.

This careful, respectful approach to design will be key in ensuring the building’s continued use and relevance, maintaining its legacy for future generations while adapting it to meet the needs of modern and future residents.

Through detailed consultation and planning, Ellis Hillman Architects have played a pivotal role in ensuring that both the aesthetic and functional goals of the project were achieved, striking the perfect balance between heritage and conservation.