At Arcas Building Solutions, we’re incredibly proud to have played a key role in the refurbishment of Lifton House, a project that garnered significant acclaim, culminating in the prestigious Refit/Refurbishment of the Year Award in 2020 at the North East Property Awards. Today, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our contribution to this remarkable transformation.

Lifton House presented a unique challenge: to breathe new life into a historic structure whilst creating a modern, functional workspace. This delicate balance required a deep understanding of the building’s existing fabric and a commitment to preserving its inherent character. As part of a talented project team, Arcas Building Solutions took on the responsibility of delivering key aspects of this vision.

Expertise in Action: Key Elements of the Lifton House Refurbishment

Our work at Lifton House was multifaceted and demanded a range of specialised skills, including:

  • Asbestos Removal: We managed the extensive and safe removal of asbestos, a common material in buildings of this era, ensuring the site was clear of hazardous materials before further work could proceed. This was a crucial first step in preparing the building for its transformation.
  • Partial Demolition and New Extension: Following the asbestos removal, we carefully demolished the outdated 1960s extension. This required careful consideration of the building’s structural integrity, working closely with the structural engineer, Jasper Kerr, to ensure the remaining structure was sound. In its place, we constructed a new, modern extension featuring a striking glazed façade. This new space allows natural light to flood into the building, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
  • Refurbishment of the Listed Building: The original 1900s listed building required sensitive refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards. Navigating the complexities of working within a listed building, we ensured all interventions were sympathetic to the original architecture and adhered to conservation guidelines, collaborating closely with the heritage consultant, Aecom. We installed glazed partitions, raft ceilings, and acoustic baffles to create an open-plan layout that encourages collaboration whilst maintaining an exceptional working environment. This involved modernisation with sensitivity, expertly integrating modern services and finishes whilst respecting the building’s historical significance.
  • External Restoration: Externally, we applied a modern zinc finish to the 1900s building. This not only provides an attractive aesthetic but also serves to conceal any scars or damage accumulated over the years, unifying the old and new elements of the structure. This formed part of creating functional spaces for the occupier, ensuring the building was fit for purpose both inside and out.

These specific works highlight the breadth and depth of Arcas Building Solutions’ involvement in the Lifton House project. We didn’t just renovate; we revitalised, blending modern techniques with historical preservation.

The success of the Lifton House project was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the entire project team. We worked closely with SW Architecture (architect, interior designer, and project administrator), Sanderson Weatherall LLP (cost consultant and agent), Kyoob (M&E consultant), MKT Consult (furniture consultant), Dunelm (geotechnical and environmental consultant), WYG (planning consultant), SAJ (transport consultant), Eco North (arboricultural and ecological consultant), and Stroma (building control).

The North East Property Awards judges recognised the project’s success in achieving this delicate balance, stating:

“This was a scheme that needed to preserve the historic intent of the building while providing a modern workplace setting and this was achieved extremely well. This required understanding complex structures to preserve the best features of the building, marking this out as an exemplary refurbishment.”

At Arcas Building Solutions, we’re driven by a passion for delivering exceptional results. Our work on Lifton House exemplifies this commitment, showcasing our ability to navigate complex projects, collaborate effectively, and deliver spaces that are both beautiful and functional. We’re honoured to have been part of this award-winning project and look forward to contributing to more successful projects in the future.