PROJECT REPORT: HERITAGE, HISTORIC & ADAPTIVE REUSE


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building, such as a billiards room, and the former first floor gym, which is enhanced by exposed beams, tall dormer windows, and a spiral staircase to a mezzanine level. One of the interventions done over the years by the fire service was a false ceiling to the converted gym space, removed as part of the project. The top of the space now effectively extends up to the apex. He adds that the developer “was a bit reluctant at first, because thought it wouldn’t necessarily generate more value, but he was pretty happy once he saw those timbers.” Commenting on the dormer-heavy nature


of the Arts and Crafts structure, Harmer says: “It’s a complex building because there are all these little light wells and different roof levels, but there’s loads of light coming in.” The roof void over the former accommodation wing to the east, previously unlit storage, was made into three high quality apartments with 14 new dormer windows and reclaimed roof tiles. “We put in windows wherever we could.” While the layout remained similar in the eastern wing, the designers created some larger units by combining pairs of rooms, which did require some non-structural wall removal. The wing’s dimensions and arrangement happily meant that no


ADF APRIL 2021


internal corridors would be needed, meaning all units have dual aspect with windows north and south, allowing cross-ventilation. There are no internal corridors to the main building either, with the stairwell leading directly to apartments, and an external deck at first floor level. Three units lead onto an external courtyard to the south with private gardens.


There are two small extensions, which presented more design challenges than the conversion. The conservation officer wasn’t keen on the architects’ initial plans to create a distinct modern look for them, which would enable the building’s history to be “read.” Instead they had to source bricks and mortar that were “as close to the original as possible,” and build sample walls onsite, as well as use reclaimed tiles. Their brickwork echoes the Victorian building’s external detail of ventilation gaps between tiles. The project’s third level is a lowered basement, and permission was given to extend the arched windows down to the new level. The black-framed Crittall designs match the rest of the project, and new light wells created behind provide usable space for occupants.


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