Provand’s Lordship

Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest surviving residential building, dating back to 1471, stands as a vital historical landmark at the heart of the city. Recently reopened after a comprehensive £1.6 million refurbishment, this Category A-listed building exemplifies excellence in conservation and climate change adaptation.

The primary objective of the refurbishment, led by John Gilbert Architects in collaboration with Glasgow Life and City Building (Glasgow), was to secure the structural integrity and longevity of this medieval structure, upgrading it sensitively for modern use as a vibrant museum and educational space. Recognising the challenges posed by climate change and past inappropriate interventions, the team employed meticulous research-driven methods, underpinned by detailed historical analysis, archival imagery, and scientific investigation.

Sustainability was central to the approach, notably through the reinstatement of traditional lime mortar repointing and lime harling finishes. These breathable, historically authentic materials replaced harmful cement repairs, significantly improving moisture management and resilience against increased rainfall and climate change Furthermore, replacing poor-quality 1980s windows with historically sympathetic yet thermally efficient double-glazed sash-and-case units enhanced energy performance and the conditions for the collections.

The restoration addressed urgent structural concerns, upgraded insulation, and modernised internal services, thus ensuring Provand’s Lordship meets contemporary standards of comfort and safety without compromising its surviving historic fabric.

The project team took great care to communicate openly with the public, addressing the visually significant reintroduction of lime harling—a finish historically evidenced through archival research, but absent from the building for over a century. This dialogue, facilitated through social media, staff briefings, and talks, has aimed to ensure the community understands the approach adopted for the site.

The outcomes are transformative: improved building resilience, enhanced visitor experience, and renewed cultural significance. Provand’s Lordship now stands as an exemplary model of sustainable heritage conservation, demonstrating how historically sensitive, research-informed interventions can revitalise significant cultural assets whilst securing it for future generations.