Vertex Architecture is thrilled to have several projects shortlisted for the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Mayor’s Design Awards 2022. The awards celebrate local architectural excellence and craftsmanship and we are extremely proud to have our work and projects included in the awards scheme. Here’s an overview of the shortlisted projects.
A coastal community hub
This exciting transformation of Brancaster Village Hall is shortlisted in the community amenity category, thanks to its excellent provision of an improved and enhanced facility for Brancaster’s residents and visitors. The multi-use building houses a Post Office, village shop, meeting rooms, a fully licensed bar and social spaces, now acting as a modern hub in the village.
“The main challenge of this project was ensuring that the proposal was sympathetic to the beautiful original building. We worked closely with the conservation officer to ensure this was the case. The wrap-around extension provides much needed space,” says Vertex Architecture’s founder and managing director Jordan Cribb.
The hall now hosts various events, from Pilates to pop-up street food, music performances to a mobile library, and its new design allows multiple community gatherings to take place at once without impacting privacy. “The fact that this project was funded through donations from both the National Lottery and residents of Brancaster, providing a multi-purpose building for all generations, is in my opinion the epitome of what ‘community amenity’ is all about,” adds Jordan.
Extending and transforming homes
The other projects are all shortlisted within the extensions category. Each has created beautiful living spaces whilst remaining true to the aesthetic of the original property and the local area.
Summerfield House in Great Bircham’s single-storey rear extension, cart shed, garage conversion, and internal and external improvements, have provided an incredible transformation of a 1970s stock brick house. “The challenge with this house was to make it look new, whilst also respecting the setting and working with the existing structure,” Jordan comments. Using brick and flint at the front of the property helped Summerfield House integrate into the Bircham character.
Not far away, Vertex Architecture designed an extension for 4 Church Farm Barns. This involved a single-storey orangery extension to the rear of the property, plus a garage, garage conversion and various alterations both inside and out, providing exciting new space for the property’s owners. The site is located within an AONB, a Conservation Area and the Sandringham Estate, so permission was required and consideration for the environment was imperative.
“This scheme is worthy of an award due to the enhancement it has on the barn complex and the dwelling itself,” Jordan explains. “It’s a fantastic example of how more modern structures can complement a traditional building. It’s a truly beautiful set-up, layout and example of top craftsmanship due to the timber work and brick and stone work.”
The transformation of Easterly Lodge in Ringstead involved a full internal and external modernisation, plus extensions, a new coach house and landscaping. It was an extensive project within a beautiful conservation area and AONB. Vertex Architecture needed to be mindful of the views looking into this area, as well as the external materials given the strong form and character of the village. “The results are staggering,” Jordan comments. “It’s a truly stunning example of how to enhance a home in a sensitive location.”
