Awards 2015
Main Award Winners
Maer Barn, Bude (Bazeley Partnership)
Sympathetically converting and re-using redundant historic buildings is always difficult to get right. Maer Barn however makes it look easy. This is no ordinary barn conversion –this is an exemplar of how conservation, restoration and contemporary design can work easily together. Its success is based on a cohesive and happy union between client, architect and building, the obvious consequence being a maturity in applied conservation practice and a brave approach to design. This is a building with many highlights. First, the medieval cruck-framed roof dominates the first floor living accommodation creating a sense of drama. Alongside is a spacious entrance hall with handsome bespoke staircase situated beneath a theatrical glass roof that connects two linear structures. The lower end draws on traditional materials such as stone, slate and timber, a combination that successfully creates a contemporary open living space that is both exciting and sensitive. Outside the garden walls and summer house take on a Scottish vernacular feel which complements the overall aesthetic.
This is, first and foremost, a family home. However, the aspiration and dedication of the clients and thoughtful work of the architectural team has had the added benefit of removing two neglected barns from the Heritage at Risk Register. In doing so they have once again made the building worthy of its Grade II* listed status.
Island Hall, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, (Poynton, Bradbury, Wynter, Cole Partnership)
Lacking any usable community space the 80 inhabitants of St Agnes relied on a small, poorly converted, early-19th century chapel for their social needs. In conjunction with their architects the islanders embarked upon a rigorous consultation programme in order to define precisely what community space they needed. The result was a sensitive restoration of the old chapel and the creation of a significant new multi-use building with a communal hall, a series of workspaces (a number of which are let to local businesses) and a gymnasium that has provided much enjoyment to adults and children alike. The judges were impressed by the interaction between the new building and the old and the adaptability of the space, particularly the cleverly designed screens that divided the central hall in order to provide much needed exhibition space.
The judges considered that the staircase design was a little thin and understated, however this did not detract from overall success of the building.
Commendations
Gillanglaze, Feock (John Pardey Architects)Affording spectacular views towards the Carrick Roads, Gillanglaze is positioned on a sensitive ridge above two masterpieces of 20th century design, Creek Vean (1967) by Norman Foster and Richard Rogers and Pillwood (1974) by John Miller with Su Rogers. With such iconic neighbours any new build had to be an uncompromising statement of bold and striking design. This house more than delivers such a challenging remit. Comprising of two wings, one running along the ridge, the other dramatically cantilevered out from the main section, Gillanglaze combines surprising geometry with impossible engineering and inventive detailing. At times, the judges considered that some detailing detracted from the overall aesthetic. Another small criticism was that the entrance seemed a little cramped however these are minor points in an otherwise impressive building. There is no doubt that this house will, in all probability, become one of Cornwall’s iconic buildings in years to come. There is no greater complement than to say it sits well alongside its illustrious neighbours.
Trenethick Barton Gatehouse, WendronWhat do you do with a Grade I listed Tudor gatehouse that is falling down? The obvious answer is to restore. However, as we all too often see, this it is not as straight forward at it might first appear. The ingredients for a successful restoration of a historic building are first, a dedicated owner, second, time and commitment and third, support. Here these elements have all come together to successfully breathe fresh life into one of Cornwall’s most important domestic buildings. The real joy of this restoration is that it has been done sympathetically, reusing elements of the original building and only adding traditional materials when absolutely necessary. Trenethick Barton gatehouse is absolute proof of what can be achieved by an enthusiastic and committed owner. In doing so this two-storied Tudor structure has been removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.
Edge O Cliff, St Ives (ARCO2)
With spectacular views across Carbis Bay this building is astonishing simply for being there. With only pedestrian access to site, all materials had to either be brought in by hand across the railway line or reclaimed from the earlier house that was demolished. Against all odds the architects have created a hand-crafted house built with great thought and care. Its design philosophy draws on clean lines and simple details which befits its position on such an environmentally sensitive headland. Typical of ARCO2 natural light and renewable energy sources are paramount in supporting the architectural design, as is the use of natural materials such as timber cladding for the walls and corrugated metal for roofing. The interior is simple without complex detailing thereby creating no distraction from the amazing views towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Edge O Cliffs is a tour de force in sleek, simple, design. Yet its real achievement is the way that this contemporary residential home seamlessly fits its stunning setting.
Shortlisted Entries
Wetheram, St Tudy (Russell Taylor Architects)
This attractive small country house fell into a poor state of repair in the late-20th century. Previous owners had repaired the exterior before selling the house to the present owners who have successfully carried out an extensive programme of interior restoration and refurbishment. In doing so new features have been incorporated using styles sympathetic to the existing interiors, which included work by Basil Ionides, a mid-20th century architect noted for creating fashionable interiors for society figures. The respect shown for Ionides work is to be complemented. Of particular note the judges admired new fireplaces, a replacement staircase and a refurbished music room. These well-disposed interior improvements balance with the historic integrity of this impressive old house. The efforts of the owners and their architect must be applauded for saving an important part of Cornwall’s heritage.
Morrab Library, Penzance (Denis Myner / Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole)
Extending a period building always poses significant design dilemmas. In the Morrab Library’s case the impossible quandary to consider whether to follow the style of the existing building or design in a new and contrasting style? There is no right answer and each situation needs to be treated on its merits. At first a glass extension was considered but after lengthy debates with planning officials the best solution was deemed to be following the design philosophy of the original asymmetric neo-classical entrance front of the original 1841 Grade II listed villa. The extension has provided considerable additional storage space and archive rooms for the library, significantly helping the preservation of the wonderful collection of books, pictures and ephemera. It was a little disappointing that details such as the new window frames did not quite match the quality of the original building. However, the extension represents a sensitive addition to a much loved friend and the library team and Trustees of the Myner Trust are to be congratulated.
Oakleigh, St Austell
This meticulous and faithful restoration of a Victorian (1863) merchant's villa is to be welcomed by all who love the architectural heritage of Cornwall. All too often houses such as this one, which formed the backbone of 19th century Cornish towns, fall prey to developers, out to exploit their large gardens for intensive and often inappropriate developments. This restoration has preserved a fine representative example of this type of house. The owners have expended considerable energy in bringing the house back from the brink of collapse and in restoring original period features, enabling the design details and style of the building to be much better appreciated. The judges would have preferred to seen replacement wooden window frames made according to the original pattern, but this was a minor point in an otherwise fine restoration.
Fowey Old Post Office
Queen Anne style architecture is not a common sight on the Cornish high street. This early-18th century house sits in a prominent position overlooking Fowey’s main street ̶ indeed, so overt and handsome is the property that it is a fair guess that every visitor to the town goes away with a photograph. Restoring such a cherished building is a difficult task. Thankfully the owner has taken a positive view to historic conservation, reversing the 19th century alterations by raising the interior floor level in order to re-site the handsome scallop shell porch canopy and return the small flight of steps to the front door. Furthermore the façade has been improved by losing an unnecessary string course and the signage that declared it a ‘Post Office and Savings Bank’. This, and the addition of a more suitable external colour, has firmly established it, once again, as a grand residential house befitting the town’s rich heritage. Its history as a public building however has not been totally lost as the double sided post office clock has been restored to its rightful position between the crucked glazing bars of front window.