The project involved diagnosing a series of interconnected drainage and water ingress problems within a highly constrained and sensitive historic environment. Existing drainage records contained uncertainties, requiring validation through survey work, while the condition of both internal and external pipework was unknown.

Investigations identified blockages, pipe damage and restricted flow within the drainage system, alongside evidence of water ingress through retaining walls, skylights and ventilation openings. The surrounding urban context introduced further complexity, with external surface water potentially draining toward and into the building and increasing the load on the internal system during heavy rainfall.

A key challenge was determining the source of water ingress, complicated by the way moisture can travel through historic fabric. While groundwater was considered unlikely to be a primary cause, seasonal patterns suggested rainwater infiltration and possible localised perched water conditions, exacerbated by defects in waterproofing or structure.