Bells Farm, Birmingham using European oak by Nick Joyce Architects with Croft Building and Conservation
Major repair of this Grade 2 listed building was needed following a devastating fire in the 1980s to a wing of this important farmhouse. Located in a deprived area of Birmingham, the major part of the dwelling had been converted for use as a community centre but the burnt out wing severely limited the use of the building.
At a time of great austerity, the local authority took the courageous decision to restore this building. The quality of the repairs was to a very high standard and has transformed the operation of the centre. Major reconstruction of the timber frame used traditional construction methods and the project has been documented and recorded for future generations.
Phoenix Brewery, London using American tulipwood by Stiff + Trevillion with L&S Carpentry and Readie Construction Ltd.
The Phoenix Brewery is a former Victorian warehouse that has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment. Retaining the original character facade whilst providing light and spacious new office accommodation.
Key to this refurbishment was the replacement of a rather dull courtyard with an exciting double height reception space serving the newly refurbished office suites, ideal for companies seeking unusual and inspiring office space.
The use of wood, tulipwood in this case, was integral to the design. As a softer, more natural material, the wood cladding of the reception desk brings warmth and creates a sculptural solution to a mundane office requirement. Refurbishing existing office space offers a far more sustainable approach. Use of materials, such as wood re-enforces this.
Magheralin Parish Church, Northern Ireland using American white oak by Waddington-McClure Architects with Viewpoint Developments Ltd. and Timbermark, Belfast
Complete refurbishment and renovation of Parish Hall which included removal of old stage and incorporation of new meeting rooms and storage area. Purpose designed slatted oak veneer panels were installed on the ceiling to ensure the acoustics of the hall were not affected by the removal of the old stage curtains. In addition, American oak veneer panels with circular cutouts have been installed in front of the radiators to create a flush screen with noticeboards over. These make the hall safer when being used for ball games, whilst letting heat through into the hall. The renovation has provided a bright new meeting place for all the community.
The Stone Barn and Stables, South Gloucestershire using English and European oak and larch and American Douglas Fir by charlick+nicholson architects with H.B. Lewis & Sons Ltd
The Stone Barn is a 5-bedroom energy efficient new home created from a semi-derelict threshing barn and cattle byre on a Grade II listed site. Its smaller neighbour, designed to the same standard of energy efficiency, is a conversion and extension of a former Stables.
The thick rubble limestone walls of the original buildings are insulated internally with hemcrete (a mix of hemp and lime) cast in situ to retain the natural lines of the walls. Wood fibre boards and sheep wool provide natural insulation in a breathing construction with an integral airtightness membrane and lime plaster as the internal wall finish.
The design of the conversion aimed to draw out the space and light of the buildings and, with careful detailing, to show off the original timber structural elements.
Memorial Hall, Bedford School using solid and veneer European oak by mk40 architects with Nevilles Special Projects, Luton.
The Memorial Hall is one of Bedford School’s iconic buildings both architecturally and significantly; it was built to commemorate the boys from the school who lost their lives in both world wars. Its conversion into the school’s staff area has therefore been a sympathetic one.
As a listed building, alterations and amendments to the building had to be sensitive and in-keeping with the previous use, that of the school library.
Two new kitchens were installed into the building, set behind new folding / hinged oak panelled doors. The doors were designed so the profiles and mouldings all match existing details around the building. This whole project was about subtle intervention.
