Broxtowe, 27 Newark Drive
Project Description
Summary description text supplied by Organic Architects:
A traditional B-Listed Sandstone Villa situated in the West Pollokshields Conservation Area required extensive restoration work and remodelling. Grant funding was obtained to carry the external fabric repairs to the main house this include traditional stonework repairs, reslating and sensitive restoration of important stain glass windows. In addition to the fabric repairs the brief was to refurbish the house, make it energy efficient, review the layout and create a flat for an elderly relative. There was a dilapidated out building on the rear of the property which was identified as suitable for conversion into an accessible flat, which could have a separate entrance whilst still connected to the main house. The brief was to create a space which would be full of natural light and be connected to the garden. It was important to the client to retain the character of the existing building whilst adding a contemporary feel to the design. The natural stonework was retained and a low pitch roof added with clerestory windows. The existing house had an impressive clerestory roof lantern and the new roof was designed to reflect this building form and connect the new roof with the existing. The main house was completely restored with a new kitchen family room created which opened out on to a raised patio area. New bathrooms where installed and a bio mass boiler installed which allows the unheated villa to be heated once again and creates a comfortable place to live.
Architects: Organic Architects Ltd
Structural Engineers: David Narro Associates
Main Contractor: GMB Builders
Stone repairs and slaterwork: Chris Clarke Stonemasons & Builders Ltd
Stained Glass conservation repairs: Rainbow Glass Studio
Accessibility audit: JBS Consultants
Supporting Statement
Newark Drive is one of the most atmospheric streets in Pollokshields. The tree lined drive has a slightly gloomy rural prospect which complements the 'Adams Family' appearance of the villas giving a romantic air of genteel decline.These picturesque villas are amongst the very finest in the West Pollokshields Conservation Area; however, in recent years several were at risk of falling into serious disrepair with Broxtowe at 27 Newark Drive being one.
This ‘B’ listed villa, with its unusual timber like recessed horizontal joints, is one of the most attractive and its transformation from an ageing villa with pigeons nesting in the attic billiards room to a contemporary family home has been remarkable.
In particular, the reworking of the servants wing to the rear of the house into a self-contained accessible flat with separate access for an elderly relative has been sensitively handled.
The planning of this benefited from an audit byJBS Consultants with patio overlooking the south facing garden, ramp, doorways, accessible shower and toilet, bedroom and kitchen all complying with the code of practice set out inBS8300: 2009Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people.
The former servants wing has been scooped out with the dilapidated slate roof replaced by a new over-sailing clerestory lit lead flat roof. A new timber lined box slots in underneath to house the kitchen while also forming a sheltering canopy to the flat’s main entrance. The existing window openings to the living room have been enlarged allowing for attractive views out over the rooftops of the Southside of Glasgow while a wood burning stove gives this delightful garden room the cozy feel of a snug.
Therefore Pollokshields Heritage nominate this as:
A good example of a late Victorian Pollokshields villa (built for a Glaswegian perambulator maunfacturer, John Dove), which has been saved from dilapidation and given new life as a multi-generation family home.
The project benefited from Glasgow City Heritage Trust grant funding thus ensuring high standards of craftsmanship and materials as well as providing work for skilled craftsmen and apprentices in the conservation repairs. Two apprentices received training as an economic benefit.
The impressive stained glass (which is thought to be by Stephen Adam’s studio) has been conserved by Rainbow Glass Studio in situ for the appreciation of future generations.
The embodied energy of the existing villa has been retained while its energy efficiency has improved with the incorporation of a biomass boiler
While the community benefit may not seem immediately obvious it is the saving of the house in its setting which matters particularly when considering Lord Esher’s comments when recommending Pollokshields for conservation area status: "that a great many Victorian houses in their old settings ... are built with more craftsmanship than we can hope to emulate, or than the world is likely ever to see again...The problem is to safeguard this investment". It is the owners’ commendable vision and investment which has allowed this.
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