Heritage

A heritage listed building is one officially recognised as being of national significance in the UK due to its architectural or historic value. The national list is maintained by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

While people often associate listed buildings with castles or grand country houses, the list also includes a wide variety of structures such as mills, garden walls, old factories and bridges etc.

Heritage building conservation refers to the careful preservation, protection, refurbishing, restoring and repair of historic buildings to maintain their original character, materials, and significance. It involves using traditional techniques and appropriate materials to ensure the building’s historical and architectural value is retained for the future generations as well as making it suitable for modern use.

The grading system for heritage listed buildings in the UK reflects their level of national architectural, or historic importance:

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered internationally important. Only around 2.5% of listed buildings fall into this category. For example, Blackpool Tower. Grade II* buildings are particularly important and of more than special interest. These make up about 5.5% of listed buildings. For example, Battersea Power Station. Grade II listed buildings are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them. This is the most common grade, covering around 92% of all listed buildings. Examples include theatres, public houses and stadiums. 

As a heritage leading provider, Axis provides:

• Historic building restoration
• Specialist repairs
• Decarbonisation services 
• Listed building compliance
• Modernisation of historic properties
• Building Compliance & Safety
• Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) 
• DDA-complaint adaptations 
• Space reconfiguration 
• Renovations
• Fire safety upgrades
• Refurbishments
• Gold leafing
• Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)
• Plastering
• Roofing and masonry conservation
• Decorative works
• Decarbonisation services 
• Timber preservation and joinery Repair 
• Access improvements
• Cleaning
• Window restoration 

In heritage building conservation projects, Axis combines traditional craftsmanship with modern best practices to protect and restore historic structures and buildings. Our teams use time-honoured techniques such as gold leafing, stone masonry and leadwork, alongside specialist treatments tailored to each building. These include careful cleaning, timber, and stone restoration, and the use of period-appropriate materials, finishes, and bespoke paint colours to accurately match the building’s original appearance and to preserve its historic character.  

What does heritage modernisation entail, and how does Axis approach modernising family homes?

Heritage modernisation often involves Victorian properties, which was prevalent across most of our UK cities. These buildings are in high demand, especially among social housing landlords facing long waiting lists. 

Modernising a Victorian property requires a careful balance between preserving its historic character and introducing practical, modern functionality. This typically includes reconfiguring internal layouts to create family-friendly living spaces and installing contemporary amenities such as updated kitchens and bathrooms. 

Energy efficiency and decarbonisation are central to our Victorian property modernisation projects. As decarbonisation specialists, Axis delivers tailored energy efficiency solutions that reduce carbon emissions while preserving the building’s historic character. Our decarbonisation services support clients in meeting net zero goals, future proofing heritage properties without compromising their original aesthetic. 

At Axis, we manage Victorian property renovations with sensitivity and expertise delivering homes that respect their heritage while fulfilling the needs of today’s families.

Heritage properties often remain in active use such as offices, shops, restaurants or family homes while heritage property restoration or maintenance is underway. This means leading providers must carefully plan and phase their work to minimise disruption and work around the occupants’ daily routines.

Balancing modernisation with preservation is another key challenge. Our heritage experts ensure that buildings remain practical and functional for today’s use without compromising the historic and architectural character of the building. 

Additionally, our specialist treatments such as gentle cleaning and careful removal of plant matter are often required to protect the building. 

Sourcing authentic, period-appropriate materials such as paint, stone and tiles are essential to maintaining the building’s original appearance and historic integrity.