Local artisan stonemasons and specialist
craftspeople were brought in and restored
many of its original features. It took the
stonemasons over two years of meticulous
care and dedication to restore the
stonework, with the hand dressing of the
stone undertaken on site. The original stair
brackets and matchboard ceiling to the
stair core could be restored, with traditional
skirting, cornicing and architrave carpentry
detailing added. The new timber slimline
double-glazed windows were also handmade
and traditional lime render was used on the
gables.
Undertaking the renovation of a listed
building is never without its challenges
and this one was no exception. The steep
gradient over the whole site which slopes up
from the front to back and left to
right posed the significant technical
challenge of how to incorporate the
changing levels aesthetically into the design.
The desire was to incorporate traditional
proportions and materials on the outside of
the buildings with modern interventions on
the inside whilst still retaining the character
of the period of The Lodge. Working closely
with our client and contractors, we have
achieved a highly desirable finished lodge
which befits its remarkable history. We’re proud of the project and the many
challenges we overcame along the way
and are delighted that the project was
shortlisted for two prestigious awards;
national and regional, and is a winner of
the East Midlands LABC awards and three
LJCC awards. As a team, we are especially
pleased that the award Judges commended
our project for its role in revitalising an
important historical building ready for the
next generation to use and love.
The client’s wanted the external landscaping
to include formal private spaces for the
future occupiers. Through careful design and
consideration of the environment, we rose
to the challenge of the sloping nature of the
site and created a new private walled garden
from reclaimed brick to encourage natural
species back to the site. Inspired design and true craftsmanship have
rejuvenated the magnificent building to its
glory days. It rightfully takes centre stage in
its location once again.
www.hssparchitects.co.uk
www.refurbandrestore.co.uk - 79