Wood Awards 2013: Repair & Adaptive Reuse, Winner

This project involved the complete refurbishment and renovation of a very tired old parish hall. Work included the removal of an old stage and incorporation of new meeting rooms and storage space within the building envelope. Purpose-designed slatted panels in American white oak veneer were fitted to the ceiling to maintain the acoustics when the old stage curtains were removed. 

Oak veneer panels with circular cutouts were also installed in front of the radiators to create a flush screen, which have notice boards placed above. As well as their visual appeal, these oak panels make the hall safer when it is being used for ball games, while still letting heat come through to the hall. 

Above the timber sliding screen at one end, an oak pelmet conceals uplights to illuminate the ceiling. The existing beech floor was sanded and relacquered to match the new timber finishes in the hall.

A bright new meeting place for all the community has been created by the renovation of an initially unpromising building. 

The judges said: ‘This is intelligent and commendable work. It is an unassuming project which has completely transformed the space and is exactly the sort of work that should be encouraged. The use of American white oak has lifted the whole process.’ 

Shortlist

Bells Farm, Birmingham, Nick Joyce Architects

The Royal Society of Arts, London, Matthew Lloyd Architects