Carefully managing continuous change
Over time we must preserve key features, address defects and respond to the evolving needs of the community by adapting buildings.
Our clients include statutory consultees such as Historic Environment Scotland, English Heritage, and The Landmark Trust, as well as local authorities including Glasgow City Council, City of Edinburgh Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. We’ve also worked with building preservation trusts such as Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and Glasgow City Heritage Trust. They value the mindful, empathetic and practical approach we bring to all our conservation projects.
We have contributed to the future of many buildings with cultural significance, from the National Gallery of Scotland to The Hill House, from the Scottish Fisheries Museum to The Burrell and from Glencoe Creel House to The Netherdale Stand at Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Club.
Detailed understanding minimises interventions
The right way to begin a conservation-engineering project is with a thorough understanding of:
- existing form, structure and development
- materials and techniques used in its construction
- the environment in which it sits.
Early on, we seek to use the least invasive techniques to establish if a structural intervention is definitely required. This often includes extensive desk research, referring to original plans and designs.
When it comes to securing the survival of a building for the long-term, alteration and adaptation may be needed so that it can serve a new generation. Such alteration must be carefully considered, compatible with and subservient to the existing fabric. Alteration may involve using contemporary innovations to achieve the highest standards in terms of design and aesthetic, while preserving the history and heritage of the building.
Hands-on experience of building materials and techniques
Our interest and knowledge in the materials we work with extends beyond purely structural concerns. As well as detailed knowledge of modern approaches, we bring hands-on experience of traditional building materials and techniques, from turf-wall construction, through earth mortars to modern Portland Cement concretes. We recognise how the nature of even the most seemingly inconsequential material can have a significant effect on the performance of the whole.
Effective collaboration and innovation
We collaborate closely with owners, architects and surveyors to realise their vision, and we respect the essential role of the tradesperson in the care and repair of traditional buildings and structures. Our clients benefit from the excellent working relationships we have nurtured with highly skilled specialists.
In the discipline of conservation, we recognise the challenges presented by modern buildings and structures, many of which will offer intriguing, tangential twists on accepted conservation norms. In the conservative repair of architecturally-important, reinforced concrete, we are at the forefront of the field, working with concrete artists, sculptors and materials scientists to develop new, innovative repair techniques.
We apply the same rigour adopted for historic buildings in all our work in the existing built environment. In this way, our conservation expertise is an invaluable skillset in today’s modern sustainable economy
Commitment to growing and sharing our expertise
Our founder David Narro, Managing Director Ben Adam, and Technical Director of Conservation, Steve Wood have been members of the Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE), for nearly a decade. In 2023, Associate Lily Erskine also gained accreditation, giving Narro more CARE engineers than any other Practice in Scotland.
CARE only accepts engineers who have been independently assessed following a rigorous approval process by two professional institutions, and can demonstrate their up-to-date knowledge with conservation philosophy and methods for historic structures and sites.
We frequently lecture and tutor on traditional building courses, and Narro staff are encouraged and supported to complete formal training on traditional building materials, techniques and philosophy.
Ben Adam
Managing Director
Lily Erskine
Associate Director
Steve Wood
Technical Director
Good, sound, intelligent, independent and well informed conservation engineering advice.
Catharine Kidd,
Director
Turley
