Historic South Street
Historical/Listed
Location:
Dorking, Surrey
Client:
Private Commercial Client
RIBA Stages:
1 – 7 (Inception to completion)
Description:
This grade II listed 16th century building was in use as an independent tool hire shop for a considerable number of years before the client came to us with the intention to convert the vacant upper floors into a residential flat and undertake much needed repairs throughout. The historic nature of the property presented us with a perfect opportunity to create a design to restore and celebrate the original features, whilst also creating a layout in line with modern ways of living.
Accessed via a new timber frame staircase enclosure, the split level flat comprises of a separate lounge/office and open plan kitchen, living and dining room to the first floor, and a master bedroom suite, double bedroom and family bathroom to the second floor. Original features, such as the exposed timber frame, fire places and lead windows were all traditionally restored, whilst their combination with new heritage doubled glazed timber sash windows, modern kitchen and bathroom suites and underfloor heating, create a careful blend of historic interest and modern amenities.
The ground floor, although retained as retail space, undertook significant restoration including the re-building of the shop frontage, enhanced structural improvements spanning over a subterranean cave and reinstatement of the exposed timber ceiling. As with the upper floors the historic fabric was carefully improved through the use of traditional materials and techniques, ensuring the continued use of the building and protection of the 350-year-old structure.
