Evolution5 Wins Portland Terrace Restoration Contract

Portland Terrace: A Landmark Heritage Renovation

In December 2024, Evolution5 was appointed as the main contractor for the ongoing renovation of Portland Terrace in Portsmouth. This iconic Grade II listed Georgian residential building was an exciting opportunity to showcase our extensive expertise in heritage restoration. Also, demonstrating our commitment to preserving architectural history while meeting heritage guidelines in a modern world.

Bringing together our wealth of experience in working on listed buildings, the Portland Terrace renovation involves meticulous external repairs to the lime render façade, adhering strictly to Historic England’s guidelines. The project scope also includes essential upgrades to downpipes, roofs, windows, balconies, railings, and groundworks such as drainage, resurfacing, and pathway improvements. The renovation commenced in December 2024, with a contract period of 41 weeks. Importantly, all 79 flats remain occupied throughout, requiring careful planning and communication to ensure resident safety and minimal disruption.

As a trusted partner in managing complex heritage projects, we align the delivery of high-quality restorations with open communication and safeguarding residents.  As we move forward, our focus remains on balancing traditional craftsmanship with practical project management, preserving the building’s character while enhancing its longevity.

Read more on our Heritage and Conservation Construction and Consultancy services.

Heritage Project Challenges

The Portland Terrace renovation has presented several key challenges that have required creative solutions:

• Heritage Guidelines: Ensuring all repairs adhere strictly to Historic England’s guidelines limited the use of modern methods and materials, increasing project complexity.
• Budget Constraints: Balancing the client’s budget while meeting the high standards required for listed building repairs, which often demand specialist skills and materials.
• Sourcing Materials: Sourcing lime-based materials that matched the original render in composition, texture, and appearance can be more costly with longer lead times.
• Resident Disruption: Reducing noise, dust, and access restrictions for residents during repairs, especially with all 79 flats remaining occupied throughout the project.
• Weather Sensitivity: Lime render is sensitive to environmental conditions and requires precise application during suitable weather. Delays caused by unsuitable weather could impact the timeline and budget.
• Scaffolding & Safety: Setting up and managing scaffolding safely in a residential area, ensuring access for residents while complying with health and safety regulations.

Project Solutions

To address these challenges, Evolution5 has implemented the following solutions:

• Heritage Collaboration: We collaborate closely with the heritage consultant to ensure all repairs adhere to Historic England’s guidelines, using traditional techniques that maintain historical accuracy.
• Skilled Craftspeople: Drawing on previous projects, we use skilled craftspeople experienced in traditional building techniques to ensure that every aspect of the restoration is completed with historical integrity.
• Listed Building Consent: Detailed plans and specifications were provided to the local authority, securing Listed Building Consent efficiently and without delay.
• Material Sourcing: A detailed analysis of the original lime render allowed us to source materials that matched in composition and appearance. Pre-ordering these materials well in advance mitigated potential delays.
• Scaffolding Design: The scaffolding was designed to provide safe access while minimising disruption to residents and passersby. We implemented robust safety measures, including secure scaffolding, CCTV, alarms, and controlled work zones.
• Resident Communication: We provide regular updates to residents on safety protocols and work progress, ensuring transparency and minimising any concerns.
• Weather Planning: We schedule lime render application during suitable weather conditions to ensure proper curing and implement protective measures to maintain quality.
• Material Deliveries: We carefully plan material deliveries and storage to minimise site congestion and maintain access for residents.

Project Successes

The Portland Terrace renovation project has seen numerous successes for far, including:

• A well-organised site set-up, ensuring safe working conditions and minimal disruption for residents.
• Positive relationships with the employer’s agent and residents, built on trust and clear communication.
• The client’s satisfaction with our work, resulting in additional work being requested and showcasing the trust placed in Evolution5’s heritage restoration capabilities.

Looking Ahead

With completion scheduled for October 2025, Evolution5 remains committed to preserving Portland Terrace’s architectural heritage while ensuring resident safety and minimising disruption. Our focus on blending traditional craftsmanship with modern project management ensures the continued longevity and beauty of this historic building.

A Construction Consultant You Can Trust

Contact Evolution5 today to discuss how we can help deliver compliant, high-quality heritage restorations. Our flexible team takes a sensitive and proactive approach to every project. We ensure compliance with legislation and standards, including health and safety and building regulations, conservation authorities, and heritage agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Portland Terrace Restoration Project?

Portland Terrace in Portsmouth, is an iconic Grade II listed Georgian residential building. In December 2024, Evolution5 was appointed as the main contractor for the ongoing renovation. This exciting opportunity allows us to showcase our extensive expertise in heritage restoration. Demonstrating a commitment to preserving architectural history while meeting heritage guidelines in a modern world.

Why is Lime Render used for the Portland Terrace Restoration?

Lime render is essential for the Portland Terrace restoration as it matches the original building materials. Maintaining the architectural integrity is essential, whilst allowing the historic structure to breathe.

What are some typical Heritage Project Challenges?

Heritage projects, like the Portland Terrace restoration project, can present several key challenges:

• Adhering to Heritage Guidelines
• Balancing the client’s budget with specialist skills and materials
• Sourcing Specialist Materials, which can be more costly with longer lead times
• Managing resident disruption
• Weather-Sensitive Materials can cause delays
• Setting up and managing scaffolding safely in residential areas

How does Evolution5 ensure minimal disruption to residents during renovations?

Evolution5 carefully plan each phase of the renovation, using scaffolding designed to maintain access and prioritising resident safety. Regular communication and updates ensure residents are informed and reassured throughout the project.

How do Evolution5 deliver compliant, high-quality heritage restorations?

The Evolution5 team takes a sensitive and proactive approach to every heritage restoration projects. We ensure compliance with legislation and standards, including health and safety and building regulations, conservation authorities, and heritage agencies. With a robust supply chain of specialist craftspeople and tradespeople, we deliver exceptional results while preserving the historical integrity of your building.

What makes Evolution5 a specialist in heritage restoration?

Evolution5 has an extensive experience in listed building renovations, including projects like Winchester’s North Walls and St Swithun Street. We have developed a deep understanding of conservation requirements and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring compliance and quality in heritage projects.