Derby House, Newburgh

Brief:

• Conversion of an existing outbuilding
• Four self-contained two-bedroom apartments
• Associated access and car parking requirements
• Shared external recreational space
• Partial demolition of existing outbuilding

Bio: The client contacted Peter Dickinson Architects with the desire to maximise the potential of an existing outbuilding at his property by converting it to become four two-bedroom self-contained apartments. The site was located within the village of Newburgh, within West Lancashire. Due to the existing space available and are created by the removal of a substantial element of the existing structure, no new access facilities were required. The scheme required Listed Building Consent as the site was located within the grounds of a Grade II Listed Building (Derby House).

The scheme required the partial removal of an element of the existing building, to separate the outbuilding from the principle dwelling. The form of the existing structure presented a number of challenges, primarily the shape and form of the existing building and how it would dictate the accommodation inside it. In response to these issues, Peter Dickinson Architects created four elongated apartments – which maximised the space available for each dwelling, providing each one with generous natural light and either access to a patio – or Juliette balcony at first floor. The most southerly element to the building, which faces onto the shared recreational space, required the majority of the conversion.

The end result of the project was contemporary alteration and conversion to a traditional outbuilding, which housed four high quality apartments (all of which were sold or let either by the completion date or very soon after). Dark grey render is used to bridge the gap between existing and new brickwork, providing an aesthetic break and tying the building together visually.

Peter Dickinson Architects were employed to conduct the design of the conversions, obtain planning permission, and produce building regulation drawings and conducting on site inspections. Peter Dickinson and David Winstanley, whilst David also provided Building Regulation drawings and site inspections, as well as liaising with contractors and suppliers.

Date Commissioned: July 2007

Final Completion: Jan 2013