Glue-laminated large section exposed timber joists and beams, a stunning contemporary hardwood staircase and hardwood windows and doors feature in the £1.35m project by Witherford Watson Mann architects.
The architects said laminated timber was used partly due to the unavailability of the large sawn sizes which would have been possible when the castle was built in the Middle Ages.
The castle was derelict prior to the conversion and in a near state of collapse. “Astley Castle is an exceptional example of how modern architecture can revive an ancient monument,” said RIBA president Stephen Hodder.
“It is significant because rather than a conventional restoration project, the architects have designed an incredibly powerful contemporary house which is expertly and intricately intertwined with 800 years of history.”
