Menu
Client: Storm Group
Location: Bolnore Rd, West Sussex
Cost: £58m
Area: 203,400 sq ft
Project Type: Residential
The practice was commissioned to reshape the external environment of this late 19th Century Neo-Gothic former Convent which had had several different uses over the years, including as an orphanage and, since 1980, as offices (former Sightsaver HQ) in Haywards Heath. The project required a gentle approach to bring forward well considered interventions for the grounds which aligned the needs of new uses whilst remaining true to the heritage setting and site narrative. Assisting DLG Architects, we developed a scheme respectful of the building’s heritage and setting, including the integration of memorials and other artefacts, whilst delivering successful external private gardens and communal spaces within the wider grounds and addressing ancient woodland issues.
Scope included the detailing all hard and soft works including garden storage units and boundary treatments. Softworks included the communal tea lawn and Victorian borders, and the 'rewilding' of areas adjacent to the ancient woodland to enhance the localised setting and providing an appropriate ambience for this unique building.