The Power of Bespoke Architecture
Sector
Multi-residential
Location
Ulverston, Lake District
Status
Completed
Year
2022
Photography
Daniel Hopkinson AP
Awards
Winner Manchester Society of Architects Residential Retrofit Awards 2023
Highly Commended at Architects Journal Retrofit Awards 2023 (Listed Buildings > £5M)
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Shortlisted for Ung Svensk Arkitektur 2024, Sweden
An award winning restoration and extension project in the Lake District
Located deep within the leafy community park of the same name, Ford House is an imposing Grade II listed limestone building constructed between 1857-60. Originally built as a residence for local steel and iron manufacturer, the property was left vacant for a prolonged period of time, leaving both the interior and exterior fabric of the building in desperate need for repair. Restoring the property to it’s original purpose as residential accommodation, the project set out to convert, extend and sensitively restore the listed building into 9no. self contained apartments.
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The project strategy was one of sensitive restoration and positive enhancement through alterations to the interior and a carefully crated new extension. The design concept for the new build element grew out of detailed analysis of the proportions, architectural features and materiality of Ford House. The resulting design is a contextual response which celebrates the historic fabric whilst clearly offering its own contemporary narrative.
Internally the palette is refined, with natural tones of wood and stone forming a subtle backdrop to period features and leafy exteriors. Bespoke features of joinery are carefully inserted as freestanding items of furniture in the room, adding further emphasis and definition between old and new.
