Awards 2016
Main Award
Chy Trevail, Bodmin (Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole for Cornwall Council)
Achieving originality and a sense of distinctiveness in new offices is a significant challenge for any contemporary architect. All too often we see an overreliance on glass and steel to create a barren visual presence. The architects of Chy Trevail have risen to this challenge by deploying local materials, including De Lank granite, slate and copper, in order to create differing facades which, in themselves, reflect the different approaches to, and uses of, the building and its surrounding spaces. Moreover, the definition and design of the main entrance is well thought through, referencing in place sits iconic sister building New County Hall in Truro. Cornwall Council must be congratulated on commissioning a public building which admirably treads the path between setting high standards for this particular building type, whilst exercising sound financial responsibility. The judges particularly enjoyed the overall aesthetic of exterior elevations, the thrilling public space in the form of a lofty and capacious atrium and the range of practical and flexible working areas.
Commendations
The Mews, Redannick Crescent (CASA Studio for Trelyon Estates)
With an ever present shortage of housing in Cornwall, building land is at a premium. This ingenious project has replaced a run-down set of lock up garages with two modest, but very pleasing single bedroom houses. The judges were very impressed with its simple clean lines, the clever use of a very constrained site and the neat solution to the problem of how to create attractive single bedroom accommodation. The retention of the old retaining walls and complimentary landscaping also contributed to the scheme's overall aesthetic. The judges wondered if the roof detailing was over heavy or whether more local distinctiveness could have been incorporated into the design, however these were but minor criticisms on this compact development which could prove an exemplar for similar schemes across Cornwall.
Hamatethy, St Breward (Pearson Lubbock for Mr and Mrs Swideski)
Hamatethy is a fascinating, Arts andCrafts influenced, recreation of a manor house of the Great Rebuild period. Its new owners wanted to create additional space to include more living, bedroom and bathroom accommodation, and in doing so improve the circulation throughout. The architectural approach adopted was bold and uncompromisingly modern. The judges liked the way that the new kitchen and living room brought the house and garden much closer together and were impressed by the high quality of much of the detailing, particularly the clever submerged pool and the link to the old building. The judges deliberated carefully over the detailing (which some considered fussy) and the chimney proportions. However, the end result is that an already interesting Cornish house has been added to in an exciting and contemporary way, providing interest for future generations.
Heritage Commendations
Shallowpool Lime Kiln, Pelynt (David Scott for Mr George Hadley)
Cornwall boasts lots of historical industrial structures which evoke bygone eras, one of which is eighteenth and nineteenth century lime kilns many of which are dotted along Cornwall's southerly creeks. Often these disused structures have a romantic gothic appearance particularly in dereliction suggestive of a picturesque folly, which tends to mask the important role they once played in creating lime from lime stone to supply the building and agricultural industries. Shallowpool, near Pelynt, was on the point of collapse when its present owner Mr George Hadley rescued it with a heroic restoration. His team cleared ivy and over growth, made major structural repairs and restored all its main features. The end result is an exemplary restoration which reveals this eighteenth century kiln in all its glory. If only more owners of important historical structures were so diligent and thorough in caring for Cornwall's heritage.
King Edward Mine, Counthouse and Carpenters' Shop (Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole for King Edward Mine Ltd)
King Edward Mine, at the eastern end of South Condurrow Mine, was abandoned in c.1890. It now forms part of a prestigious World Heritage Site. Surplus to future museum expansion, the grade II* listed Count House and its surrounding buildings were considered at risk and alternative uses had to be found. This sensitive restoration as commercial starter units and offices is highly commended. Thorough research informed this careful restoration which included rebuilding the west end of the main block (after the discovery of a mine shaft beneath it), reinstalling roof vents and replacing pebble-dash render with lime mortar and lime wash. Most windows and doors had to be replaced with appropriate fittings, tarred boards were largely retained and re-painted and a row of 1950s washbasins were salvaged and recycled. Wheelchair ramps to doors are discrete and appropriate withmodern galvanised tube railings and safety lights
Shortlisted
Trewane, Trelill (Russell Taylor for Mr and Mrs William Harkness)
'There is much that is lovable and much that is moving' about Cornwall's architecture wrote Nikolaus Pevsner in his 1951 guide of the county. Such an epithet sits well with Trewane, the enchanting seventeenth century gentry-house of the Nicholls family. Russell Taylor and Mr and Mrs William Harkness have put considerable thought and sensitivity into restoring this important house, resolving its shortcomings as a twenty-first century family home (insufficiency of bedrooms and bathrooms, a poor kitchen and inadequate main entrance) whilst correcting the mistakes of previous restoration campaigns. Although the judges struggled with some of the classical detailing introduced as part of the restoration work, the overall high quality of the new work, both in design and execution, was particularly appreciated. The judges applauded Mr and Mrs Harkness's commitment to this remarkable restoration project, a model of how to treat Cornwall's architectural heritage and give old houses a viable future.
Atlantic View, Widemouth Bay (The Bazeley Partnership for Grenadier Estates)
Cornwall's beautiful coastline is one of its most precious assets. Too often the desire to build houses with uncompromising sea views results in intrusive and commanding buildings with oversized windows which seriously harm the appearance of coastal areas. The Cornish Buildings Group has published guidelines on good practice for coastal development and Atlantic View accords with many of our own thoughts. The scheme sits extremely well within its landscape and the curving grass covered roofs work well as a way of reducing the visual mass. The judges did consider that the detailing of the seaward side did not work as well as the landward side but were very impressed by the quality of the interior design, which incorporated well designed living spaces with good attention to the detailing of internal fittings. Overall Atlantic View is a very high quality scheme which could serve the county well as a model for good coastal development.
Green Build Hub, Bodelva (Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole for The Cornwall Sustainable Buildings Trust)
The Green Building Hub, which has been built adjacent to the Eden Project, is a striking modern structure built by the Cornwall Sustainable Buildings Trust. Its aim was to support the development of new green building techniques and skills, a set of principles that the Trust advocates. The building has a handsome curving facade punctuated with laminated timber fins which gives it a considerable presence. Inside, a good deal of flexibility has been built into the structure, allowing for multi-use in its day-to-day operation. The judges were very interested in the clever arrangement of inter changeable panels on the exterior which allows for testing and research new walling materials. However, we wondered about the acoustics and practicability of the main space when in use as a lecture theatre. That said, this building is a fine testament to green building principles and modern design, its creators should be very proud of the stimulus that it will give to the development of sustainable buildings in Cornwall.
Clift Barn, Antony (Pearn and Procter for Sir Richard and Lady Carew Pole)
In Clift Barn Pearn and Procter and their clients have shown that striking a balance between maintaining the historical integrity of a handsome grade II listed farm building whilst creating an elegant and practical family home can be achieved with considerable aplomb. The combined kitchen and living space was particularly impressive as was the subtle retention of historic beams and earlier structure retained within the bedroom floor. The long vistas of the living and bedroom floors create a pleasing sense of space reminding visitors to the house of its origins as a barn. Furthermore, the way that the living rooms capture the stunning views across the river Lynher deserves particular commendation. The judges wondered if the building's origins would have been better preserved if the structure of the original barn roof had been revealed in the main living areas.
