Bailey’s Studios, Eden Street

Best new building under £2m – Winner: Bailey’s Studios, Eden Street

In this category there was one winner.

Credits

Ashworth Parkes Architects

Cambridge Architectural Research

RM Construction

Photographs by Matthew Smith

Judges Comments

“After visiting, we decided to re-categorise this project as a new build, because only the front façade and a former fireplace were retained from the original building  

This project represents a remarkable transformation of a former workshop belonging to iconic local stonemason, Keith Bailey, who was well known in the local community.  The previous appearance from the street, where he used to sit, has been retained with a metalwork grille and aligned peepholes.  There is a Japanese flavour to the conversion (including a space-saving Japanese sunken bath), and the tiny floor area has been creatively reworked and extended to provide two living spaces which can be used separately or as one, with an extraordinary amount of storage space cleverly worked in.  The ingenious reordering of space and light provides two kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, plus a roof terrace.  A split staircase provides access to a second floor in the main apartment.  Although hidden from view, the technical challenges associated with integrating a low energy approach into this constrained site did not go unnoticed: encompassing the MVHR threaded through the slender structure, the integrated external blinds for heat wave mitigation and the inaudible Air Source Heat Pump sharing the external amenity space in close proximity to neighbours.  A strategy that will stand the test of time.”