St Phillip Howard Church Planning Approval

Cowper Griffith Architects have recently been granted approval for alterations and extensions to St Phillip Howard Church in Cambridge City Centre.

Following a design competition, we were appointed by the client to develop proposals for a high-quality, highly sustainable re-ordering of the existing church to support the growing congregation and to enhance the setting for worship.

The existing building was constructed in the late 1970’s as a purpose-built Catholic Parish Church and community space, and remains largely unchanged. The building is at a stage of its life when it is due a major refurbishment especially of its heating, toilet facilities and general maintenance. In particular, a leaky roof which regularly needs attention and significant sums of money to keep watertight.

The proposals will not only creatively expand the capacity of the church building but will significantly improve the internal aesthetics and facilitate the enhancement of Liturgical celebrations.

The building works are currently being tendered and expect to start shortly.

Approval For 10 Units In Cambridgeshire

CGA has recently secured consent for ten new homes in Barton, Cambridgeshire.

The site consists of a redundant farmyard with derelict barn, outbuildings and a pair of thatched cottages. It sits within the village Conservation Area and directly affects a number of surrounding Listed Buildings. The site is also half within the ‘Protected Village Amenity Area’, and directly adjoins Green Belt.

This complex raft of policy restrictions, coupled with an engaged and informed village and restrictive overlooking criteria, required a sensitive and methodical design, refined through public consultation days and several rounds of negotiation with the Local Authority.

The scheme delivers seven new build units, the conversion of a C19 barn and the reconfiguration of two cottages, providing a socially sustainable mix of 2 to 5 bed dwellings.

The new builds are deliberately simple in form and sympathetic in material, enlivened by brick detailing inspired by sawtooth courses and hit & miss vents in the retained barn.

A ‘yard’ is created at the heart of the scheme which provides space for residents to socialise, and the development makes a positive contribution to the street scene.

We were delighted to be able to overcome all of the site’s challenges, with excellent support from Ed Durrant of Pegasus Planning.

Planning Approval Granted for Boutique Hotel

Cowper Griffith Architects have recently been granted permission for proposals to convert a former care home into a boutique hotel and restaurant. The host building dates from the 1880’s and is a decorative brick and stone building set in a generous parkland.

The proposals include a new orangery to the rear and a 2-storey wing to create additional accommodation with views across the rolling landscape.

Country Life Article

We are pleased to announce that our Park House project has been featured in the July 23 issue of Country Life Magazine.

Park House is a substantial grade II listed house designed in the Victorian Gothic Revival style by famous architect George Edmund Street. Cowper Griffith were employed in 2016 with Robert Myers Associates to provide a new parkland masterplan which included a contemporary rear kitchen extension, new standalone garages and a poolhouse.

Photography by Richard Bloom

Landscape Design by Robert Myers Associates

Structural Design by Conisbee

Contractor GE & AF Silvester Ltd

For the full article refer to www.countrylife.co.uk

Arts & Crafts House In Welwyn

Our replacement dwelling in Welwyn starts on site later this month.

The scheme draws heavily on the best, historic Arts & Crafts properties in the area, and includes a two storey house, annexe and garage.

The specifications focus on high quality, natural materials and robust, considered detailing.

CGA is partnering with local building firm Bridgeman Construction. Further updates to follow.

‘from concept to completion’

CGA was appointed by The National Trust and Canal & River Trust to develop designs to breathe new life into the Grade II* Roundhouse, a unique survivor of Birmingham’s industrial heyday. Through extensive consultation, we developed mixed-use proposals focusing on community engagement, interpretation, commercial use, urban exploration and a food offer.

We secured consent for a scheme which included radical interventions, designed to give the building an ‘outward face’ and to offer an open invitation to the surrounding, local communities and the city beyond.

We lost out to a larger practice on the delivery phase, but commend Burrell Foley Fischer for a job well done! We visited recently and it is fantastic to see the building being used and enjoyed, and to see how closely the bold interventions reflect our original intent. The projecting frameless oriel, above is absolutely as we had imagined it.

A fabulous example of living heritage, community engagement and the creative, multifunctional use of a heritage asset. The two Trusts should be commended for their vision and commitment.

https://roundhousebirmingham.org.uk/

Works Nearing Completion In Suffolk

Works are nearing completion at this grade II listed house, set within an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the Deben River Estuary. Following construction in 1933 the property remained in the ownership of the architect Hilda Mason and her sister for their own use until her death in 1955. Hilda Mason is noteworthy as one of only seven women architects who designed listed buildings between WWI and WWII. The house has undertaken a full retrofit including new external insulation, double glazed windows and a series of contemporary extensions providing modern living areas which unlock unique views across the landscape.

Progress At Calverley Old Hall

Amazing progress is being made at our Calverley Old Hall project with the Landmark Trust.

The 12 months defects period for the reroofing phase is nearing an end with the final inspection due next Monday.

Phase 2 has been on site since last June & is scheduled for completion at the end of January 2024.

Here are some photos of the ongoing work to repair and refurbish the property.

The SPAB scholars & fellows joined us during the last site visit which was a good opportunity to discuss the philosophy of repairs.

Progress in North Norfolk

Works at our Burnham Rise project are picking up a pace now the that building structure is watertight. The distinctive standing seam gable roofs are now complete allowing internal works to progress.

We look forward to the highly bespoke interiors progressing over the coming months.

Photographs by Grocott & Murfitt.

Proposals Submitted for Boutique Hotel

Cowper Griffith Architects have recently submitted proposals to convert a former care home into a boutique hotel and restaurant. The host building dates from the 1880’s and is a decorative brick and stone building set in a generous parkland.

The proposals include a new orangery to the rear and a 2-storey wing to create additional accommodation with views across the rolling landscape.

The proposal will restore and enhance the distinct characteristics of the former Victorian manor house and its parkland landscape providing high quality sustainable hotel facilities, and improving the current setting, gardens, access and parking provision.