Commended Award Winner
LETHERINGSETT
THE OLD MALTINGS, HOLT
ROAD
Conversion of Derelict Grade II Listed Maltings
into Eight Residential Dwellings
Entrant: Melanie & David Hickling (Developers)
The Grade II Listed former brewery complex is made up of three
buildings, the Maltings, Stables and Tun House all of which were vacant
and had fallen into an extremely poor state of repair. Before work began
in 2013 the buildings had serious structural failings and in areas had
suffered entire collapse to the fabric. As a result of the buildings
continuing deterioration the Maltings were included on the Council’s
Buildings at Risk Register.
Given the scale of the buildings, their intrinsic layout and footprint,
finding a new use and an owner willing to take the site on in such poor
condition was extremely difficult. With this in mind the owners must be
commended on their bravery on taking on such a large and ambitious
project. The Maltings has now been fully restored providing a bespoke
selection of eight high quality dwellings.
Internally the building has been much altered through the conversion ,
the subdivision of internal spaces into the individual dwellings proved
challenging and was achieved with straight party walls positioned in such
a way as to make efficient use of the existing window positions for
natural light. Each unit is designed to maximise available space with an
open plan arrangement on the ground floor utilising glass screens to
separate different spaces from each other. One of the more radical
interventions involved the introduction of a glazed clear storey which
borrows light into the building and stands out as a contemporary 21 st
century addition.
Overall, this project has been a success in saving a building on the brink
of complete collapse and securing a long-term sustainable use. Whilst
there are question marks over the sensitivity of the scheme as a whole, it
should be commended for the quality of the materials used and
endeavour shown in such challenging circumstances.