Balancing heritage constraints with modern standards, the conversion of 22–24 Spurriergate into three self-contained holiday apartments was a showcase of HeadOffice3’s expertise in overcoming complex technical challenges. Set above a busy retail unit in a Grade II listed building, the project was shaped by conservation officers’ insistence on retaining internal volumes, restricting structural alterations and disallowing modern thermal upgrades. Ceilings couldn’t be lowered to meet fire regulations, so HeadOffice3 deployed an innovative solution—fire-rated paint—approved through detailed consultation with building control and conservation teams.

With original drainage routes blocked and access restricted, the team introduced a pumped waste system for the first-floor kitchen and bathroom, allowing services to discreetly bypass the limitations of the retail unit below. Secondary glazing was installed to heritage specification, not for thermal or acoustic performance, but to satisfy aesthetic and planning demands. Despite unexpected site conditions—like concealed structural timber where new doors were planned—HeadOffice3 responded swiftly with on-site engineering input to adjust designs without delay. The result: a thoughtfully restored building that meets contemporary expectations, delivered within tight constraints, through calm problem-solving and practical experience.