Protecting unique architectural elements, one of London’s Grade II listed buildings has undergone a condition and sustainability survey to preserve its 140-year-old heritage.

Situated at the heart of the Knightsbridge conservation area adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall, Queen Alexandra’s House operates as a women-only accommodation for students at the Royal Colleges of Music, Art and Science.

Built in 1884, the building required an in-depth assessment to evaluate its current condition and identify opportunities to improve its sustainability.

Specialist heritage surveyors at multi-disciplinary consultancy, Pick Everard, were appointed to deliver a detailed condition report, ongoing maintenance and capital works plan, a costed schedule of works, and proposals for enhancing the property’s environmental sustainability and energy performance.

Matthew Appleton, strategic account director at Pick Everard, said: “From our detailed examination of the building structure, fabric, and the existing issues, it was clear that system upgrades were required. After carefully considering fabric improvements, our team ensured the recommendations maximised return on investment, and improved the environmental performance while enhancing its heritage significance. All of which aligned with the Board of Trustees aspirations to provide modern, flexible and sustainable accommodation for their heritage asset.”

Following the survey, Pick Everard grouped the recommended remediations into projects that can be delivered while the tenancy is empty to ensure minimal disruption.

Matthew added: “Utilising our team’s understanding of the historic built environment, we ensured our recommendations for remediation works and energy efficiency measures were appropriate within the context of a listed building in a conservation area. Our team took a holistic, whole-building approach and provided further recommendations such as draught proofing and insulation to maintain ventilation and breathability.

“This carefully considered approach to sustainably retrofitting heritage assets, as demonstrated at Queen Alexandra’s House, is essential to helping our clients achieve their sustainability targets.”

Martin Hadland, trustee of Queen Alexandra’s House, said: “We chose Pick Everard because of their expertise in condition surveys, their experience with historic buildings, and their pragmatic approach to sustainability within challenging protected base structures. Its team was properly integrated, and the comprehensive output allowed us to make informed choices about planning future works. We were very happy with the outcome and look forward to working with the Pick Everard team again.”

The condition and sustainability survey has provided the Board of Trustees at Queen Alexandra’s House with a list of recommended remediations that will maintain the property’s unique historical character and improve its energy performance.

For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/