Sustainable Heritage: Transforming Norbury Court for Modern Business While Preserving Naval History
A Delicate Balance of Past and Present

When architectural firm Stride Treglown approached BluePrint Architectural Workshop to provide historic building consultancy for their Plymouth studio refurbishment, we knew this project would showcase our combined expertise in balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality.
The Challenge
Norbury Court, a Grade II* listed building from 1760 within The Millfields, presented several complex challenges:
- Modernising a protected building while preserving its historical significance.
- Implementing sustainable solutions without compromising the building's fabric.
- Creating a contemporary workspace while respecting maritime heritage.
- Navigating multiple Listed Building Consent applications.
- Managing complex building physics in a historic structure.
Our Approach
Drawing upon our extensive experience with listed buildings, we developed a comprehensive strategy that addressed both conservation and contemporary needs:
Sustainable Heritage
One of the project's most significant achievements was the careful insulation and ventilation of the king-post roof. This delicate operation required:
- Detailed understanding of historic building physics.
- Careful material selection to maintain fabric breathability.
- Strategic placement of modern services without compromising historic features.
Space Optimisation
The internal refurbishment demanded careful consideration of:
- Original architectural features.
- Modern collaborative workspace requirements.
- Historic building regulations.
- Contemporary office functionality.
Traditional Craftsmanship
We specified:
- Traditional materials for authentic repairs.
- Period-appropriate rainwater goods.
- Sympathetic integration of modern services.
- New joinery crafted to match historic profiles.
Future-Proofing
Installing electric vehicle chargers shows historic properties can adopt sustainable technology while preserving their character.
The Outcome
Through three successful Listed Building Consent applications, we helped deliver a workspace that:
- Respects its Grade II* listed status.
- Reduces carbon footprint.
- Creates an inspiring modern workplace.
- Preserves important maritime heritage.
- Demonstrates sustainable heritage practices.
Looking Forward
This project exemplifies our commitment to making historic buildings viable for contemporary use while preserving their heritage value. It showcases how listed buildings can be adapted for modern requirements without losing their historical significance.
For more information on the interior design from Stride Treglown, see here.
Credit for internal photography to Stride Treglown.







