Group 23
HOUSING WITH HERITAGE

Thornton Manor Country Estate is a Grade II* listed heritage asset in the Wirral, currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register following a major fire in 2022. To help fund its restoration, we propose enabling development in the form of a high-quality residential scheme within the estate. The profits will act as the financial engine for restoring the Manor. Our challenge is to balance commercial viability with heritage conservation and Green Belt constraints, adhering to the “minimum necessary” principle, ensuring development is limited to what is essential to secure this historic treasure.

Benedict M / Emily Z / Florence G / Jiayu L / Kai R / Li Che O / Mingze Y / Navya D / Olatokunbo F / Raheeg Alabbas OI / Zuzanna W

Olatokunbo F
Benedict (Ben) Mullan
MArch 1
After completing completing my Bachelor’s degree at MSA, I worked on a range of Grade I and II listed buildings including Chatworth House and Woburn Abbey. Returning to Continuity Atelier at MSA has allowed me to expand my knowledge of heritage and conservation. I am looking forward to working collaboratively and iteratively with stakeholders to positively impact the future of Thornton Hough and Thornton Manor
Posted 16 Feb 2026 21:39
Olatokunbo F
Navya Dang
MArch 1
Throughout my academic discourse, I have been deeply interested in history and the narratives within the built environment. Although I have not yet worked directly on heritage projects, conservation and designing within historic contexts remain key interests. I look forward to contributing responsibly and collaboratively to the Thornton Hough and Thornton Manor project, supporting a design approach that strengthens the relationship between past, present, and future.
Posted 16 Feb 2026 21:44
Olatokunbo F
Emily Zaman
MArch 1
Completed my bachelors at University of Hertfordshire with a study year abroad in New York. I went onto working on residential houses within my local county. I’m now in the infrastructure space atelier and I’m looking forward to working in a historic site which I’ve only observed during practice so far!
Posted 16 Feb 2026 21:45
Olatokunbo F
Li Che Ong
MArch 1
I completed my bachelor’s degree back in Malaysia before working for a year on hospital and industrial projects, where I gained practical experience in coordination and technical delivery. I am currently part of the CPU Atelier, with an interest in how architecture operates strategically within complex social and urban systems. Through MSA Live, I look forward to collaborating across disciplines, engaging with real communities, and translating design thinking into meaningful social impact.
Posted 16 Feb 2026 21:50
Olatokunbo F
Zuzanna Wieczor
MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse
Graduated from Architectural Technology in 2024. During a year break I took from university, I researched more into adaptive reuse and developed a strong interest in that area of architecture. Currently studying Architecture and Adaptive Reuse with main focus on building heritage and reuse of industrial buildings. I am excited to work on MSA 26 project to collaborate with peers from different courses to gain more insight into different areas and learn from each other.
Posted 16 Feb 2026 21:57
Olatokunbo F
Mingze Yang
MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse
I am excited to engage in practical operations in the renovation project to explore the limitations of real projects and their solutions. At the same time, I aim to practice and hone my communication skills with the client. My likes include coffee, hiking, travelling and beautiful scents.

Posted 16 Feb 2026 22:10
Olatokunbo F
JIAYU LIU (Jerry)
MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse
Through MSA Live, I hope to learn more about heritage conservation and acquire relevant skills; at the same time, I want to improve my communication abilities, which I hope will be beneficial for my future work and life.
Posted 16 Feb 2026 22:40
Olatokunbo F
Kai Reynolds
BA 1 Architecture
I completed several months of travelling after finishing 4 A Level qualifications and winning multiple subject awards. I am highly interested in the intersection of philosophy in architecture and sustainable reuse of buildings. I am excited to participate in restoring a grade listed building and to learn more about architectural heritage.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:53
Olatokunbo F
Olatokunbo Fayemiwo
BA 1 Architecture
With a design oriented background, I enjoy problem solving and user-centered design. I am particularly interested in bridging the gap between futurism and the preservation of culture and historical significance. I am excited to work people across different professional levels and I believe Thornton Manor will provide insight into ethical and regulatory considerations in design.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:59
Olatokunbo F
Florence Gould
BA 1 Architecture
I am interested in the history of the built environment and how building development changes as a result of technological advances. I look forward to learning new skills off my peers whilst working on a project impacting the real world.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 15:21
Olatokunbo F
Raheeg Raffay
Foundation in Architecture
I am currently studying Architecture and have a strong interest in heritage, conservation, and the social history embedded within buildings. During my work placement, I worked on a listed building, which further strengthened my interest in historic architecture. I am therefore looking forward to contributing to this project and exploring its heritage in greater depth.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 15:25
Olatokunbo F
Meet the Collaborators
03/02/2026
The first task was introducing members of the team, assigning roles and establishing team values and expectations. This was closely followed up by a meeting with our collaborators where we discussed the brief and possible outcomes from the brief in greater depth. Meeting with Thornton Manor representatives also gave us further insight into the history of the sight, allowing us consider how its context may be applied in future outputs.

Overall Mood(s): Curious & Excited
Posted 20 Feb 2026 14:19