The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding And Renovating Awards 2020
Home of the Year - Winner - The Forge (Studio Bloc)
Chosen from one of the shortlisted houses, the UK’s Home of the Year celebrates the most outstanding project entered into the The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards.
Architect and judge Darren Bray:
"This conversion and reimagining of a former blacksmith’s forge is an absolute triumph. There’s a wonderful forensic and sympathetic touch here, which sees layers of history unpacked while stitching in new contemporary elements with real skill and determination.
"A masterclass in how to reinvent an ageing structure; it’s what we should all be doing in response to the climate change emergency."
The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding And Renovating Awards 2020
Best Conversion - Winner - The Forge (Studio Bloc)
The design for this conversion centred around the contrast between old and new - balancing the preservation of the industrial character of the old blacksmith's forge with creating a light, contemporary extension.
The external cladding of black corrugated metal was chosen to reflect the building's heritage as a blacksmith's, and also the local agricultural vernacular of the surrounding rural area. The uniform nature of the metal creates a simple profile which suited both the client’s budget and their love of modern aesthetics. The black metal extension was designed with the same roof pitch as the Grade II listed brick building, to give the impression of a shadow, complementing rather than competing with the converted former blacksmith's workshop.
Awards
The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Awards - Home of the Year
The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Awards - Best Conversion
T.S. Tyson Prize for Engagement with Technology
Norwest Holst Prize for Practice Management and Law