Further information

New Building Category

Winner: Wymondham Library

Architects: NPS South East Limited
Contractor: Morgan Ashurst PLC of Norwich

This building replaces the previous library in the 13th century Beckets Chapel in Church Street. The site of the new library is situated alongside the boundary of the Wymondham Conservation Area and used to form part of the car park associated with the adjacent Central Hall, a 1960’s building with a plain but functional appearance. The land has a subtle change in levels, which presented the architects with a number of challenges.

The design uses a rotunda as an axis from which segments of the building fan out following the curve in the road. This creates a stepped appearance to the roadside elevation but with the roof edge above following a gentle downwards curve to mirror the line of the road. The use of brick and flint for the walls reflects some of the finishes on buildings in the area. Internally, the tall glazed panels afford views of the townscape and Abbey and create a comfortable light and airy space.

This is a low energy building with inspiring architecture that creates a new public space near the centre of the town and makes a positive contribution to the street scene.

High commendation: Heath Farmhouse, Broome

Architects: Julian Hood
Contractors: James Temple of temple and Hicks builders.

The site formerly housed glasshouses and a hostel building, which were previously used in conjunction with a flower business. These buildings became redundant and with no prospects for further commercial use, planning permission was granted to replace them with a new dwelling.

The new build follows the footprint of the former hostel. The design uses traditional materials and has a pitched tiled roof at the front elevation. A more contemporary approach is taken at the rear elevation with large glazed areas taking advantage of extensive views looking towards Broome Beck as well as providing a light and spacious interior. The flat roof at the rear leaves space for clerestory windows under the eaves that bring light into the upper hallway. Sustainable features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting have been incorporated into the design.

The more contemporary design incorporates energy efficient measures and creates a spacious and impressive family home.

Merited: Cedar House in Hingham

Designer and contracter: owner, Jonathan Elven.

The site used to from part of the garden to an existing house and is situated in an estate developed in the 1980’s. Significantly, it has three mature trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

The Council had serious concerns about the detrimental impact the new building would have on the trees. The owner responded to these concerns by employing bespoke building techniques to preserve the trees whilst at the same time creating a highly sustainable and technologically efficient home. v

Pile foundations were used to minimise disturbance and the house raised above ground level in order to retain aeration to the tree roots. Rainwater is collected and released into the ground through pipes under the house to prevent the soil from drying out. This is all carefully regulated by a monitoring system. Lightweight materials have been used to reduce the weight of the house.

The above approach seems to be effective as the trees continue to flourish. The house also achieves an ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency.

Existing Building Category

Award Winner: Gillows Farmhouse, Starston

Architect: Haysom, Ward, Miller of Cambridge.
Contractor: Willow Builders of Ditchingham.

This is a grade II listed timber frame building that originates from the 16th century with later alterations and extensions.

Works involved the modernization of the kitchen and family room, the replacement of the existing dilapidated rear porch and the provision of a new entrance lobby and garden room.

Modern treatment of the structure, joinery and surfaces clearly differentiates between the new and existing elements whilst the restrained pallet of materials and colour ensures that strong connections are made between the two. The methods used to construct the new extension create a space which is much more open, light and airy than would have previously been possible. Carefully considered improvements to the existing rooms complement the design of the new extension and sit comfortably with the historic character of the building.

The scheme is a high quality 21st century addition that successfully incorporates a contemporary design into an historic building.

Commendation: Saxlingham School

Architect: NPS South East Limited.
Contractor: T Gill and Son, Norwich.

This is a significant extension to a Victorian School, which is prominent in views of the conservation area. It is in the form of two staggered gabled wings to the south and a large flat roof area to the west side, which links the south wings to the existing building.

The scheme provides two much needed classrooms, which replaced portakabins, together with additional storage, staff room, library, toilets and a new entrance lobby. The steep pitched zinc clad roofs reflect the roof form of the original building and the generous overhang of the roof provides strong shadows, which enhance the built form.

The scheme sits comfortably with its historic setting. Improvements to the playground and the provision of a car park at the south end have been tempered by soft lines and landscaping that strengthen the natural setting of the school.

Commendation: 3 Hall Farm Barns, Deopham

Designer and contractor: Steve Highton of New Buckenham.

The property is one of three converted farm buildings that were formerly associated with the adjacent listed Hall Farm. Restrictions on the conversion imposed by having to retain the original form and layout of the building left the owners with limited scope to view and enjoy the landscaped garden to the west side.

The scheme submitted was made up of four elements: the conversion of the garage to a room, an additional outbuilding for storage, a new zinc clad car port and a new garden room, which is connected to the main dwelling by a glazed link. The assessment felt that the garden room deserved a commendation.

The garden room has a hipped zinc clad roof and a slate floor that continues beyond the footprint of the building. The full height glazing on three sides provides uninterrupted views of the garden and is argon filled double glazing which, combined with a wood burning stove and a highly insulated floor and roof, allows the room to be used comfortably throughout the year. The form of the building and choice of materials allows the new extension to sit comfortably with the historic character and appearance of the existing buildings and enhances views.