William Simpson Home, Old Plean
A Sensitive Listed Building Conversion
This project is for the developer led conversion of a significant B-listed building near Stirling into seventeen flats.William Simpson’s Home was set up in 1836 to provide support and accommodation for armed forces veterans. Since the charity moved to purpose-built accommodation nearby in 2011 the original building has been left vacant, is currently falling into disrepair and is in urgent need of a new purpose.
We have been involved in the project for several years and during that time we have obtained Listed Building Consent and the first stage of the Building Warrant. Planning has been granted subject to a Section 75 agreement.
When we began work on the project there was an existing consent for converting the building into fourteen flats and we began with a detailed review of those proposals. We identified opportunities to improve inefficient circulation and create additional residential units - increasing the viability of the project for the developer.
We focused on utilising the existing room proportions where possible and making precise changes where neccesary. The biggest change was to relocate one of the stairs into the original main staircase, this resolved some convoluted circulation routes and provided better access to several flats.
We have also worked on a strategy for the extensive upgrade of the external fabric. Sustainable internal wall insulation has been carefully specificed for the solid masonry stone walls, the roof and floors will be fully insulated and the existing windows upgraded with double glazed panes. Heating throughout will be provided by air source heat pumps.